A Steep Turn to the Stars

by Jim Hughes

Since the first pioneering flights of the early 20th century, aviation has been prominent in the history of the Moray Firth. From Bleriot to Buccaneer, Farman to Nimrod, just about every type of military aircraft has operated in the area.

During two World Wars anti-shipping and anti-submarine patrols from Moray Firth bases played an important part in the Battle of the Atlantic and Scandinavian campaigns, while the excellent weather made the area a perfect place for training thousands of Allied aircrew.

In the nineties Moray is the home of two of the largest RAF bases, operating Nimrods and Tornados from Kinloss and Lossiemouth. This book traces the history of many military operations, but also throws light on other aviation activities such as the first aircraft to be built in the North East of Scotland; locally built Flying Fleas; the forgotten Airship base and the seaplane base that is now an important RSPB reserve.

The many facets of aviation have been brought together to form an account which should be of interest to both aviation and local historians in the Moray Firth and beyond - it is also an invaluable guidebook to those investigating the 'aviation trails' of the Moray Firth area.

Specification

Binding: Softback, wirebound

Pages: 171, 210mm x 297mm

Photographs: 200+ mono

ISBN 1 870384 71 7

Price: £14.95 $23.00