Two RAF Lossiemouth based pilots have been selected to join the Red Arrows for their 50th year of acrobatic displays next year.
Flight Lieutenants Stewart Campbell and Joe Hourston impressed during a tough selection process that involved flight tests, interviews and other exercises.
Stewart, 33, was brought up in Peebles before joining the RAF ten years ago, ultimately finding himself posted to RAF Lossiemouth’s 617 (Dambusters) Squadron. He has flown two operational tours in Afghanistan.
Inverness born Joe, 34, was born in Inverness and brought up in Cromarty before joining the RAF in 2001 – he is also a member of Lossiemouth’s 617 Squadron with Afghanistan on his service record.
Joe said: “I’m very proud to be joining the Red Arrows and the 50th display season in 2014 makes this a particularly special time to arrive.
“Since day one of deciding to be a pilot I’ve always wanted to be a member of the team because of what it represents and the variety and challenge of the flying itself. It’s wonderful to be part of this team and, in turn, help inspire people to consider a career in the RAF and also promote UK plc.
“If anything, I’m sure three years with the Red Arrows will seem far too short by the end.”
Stewart added: “The Red Arrows represent the pinnacle of fast jet display flying and I’m honoured to be joining this famous team. They way the team operates and how it represents the RAF and UK as a whole, is something I very much wanted to be part of.
“Although, my selection hasn’t sunk in yet, I don’t think I will feel like I’m a member of the Red Arrows until I taxi out with team leader and go through the first loops and rolls.”
Like every other Red Arrows pilot, the two new members of the team are rated as the very best in terms of flying ability and have previously served as frontline fast jet pilots with the RAF.
On completion of a three-year tour with the Red Arrows, the pilots either return to the frontline, instructional or staff duties.