Rescue bid is launched to retain iconic helicopter in Moray


Plans are being laid to ensure that at least one of the iconic Sea King search and rescue helicopters is retained in Moray following the handover of SAR to civilian operators in March.

The group behind plans to create a major Aerospace facility in Moray that preserves the rich history of military flying in the region is seeking to obtain one of the Sea King SAR aircraft as a permanent exhibit.

Morayvia was formed in 2011 and was granted charitable status a year later. It has already leased a site at Kinloss and hopes to obtain it permanently under the Community Asset Transfer scheme.

As a first step in raising the anticipated funding requirement to obtain a Sea King to add to their existing Nimrod and other aircraft, Morayvia are offering the Moray public a unique opportunity to obtain a Limited Edition framed picture of the iconic helicopter.

Ten were flown on board the Sea King that was involved on New Year’s Day in an operation over the Moray Firth after going to the assistance of the stricken trawler ‘Acorn’.

Morayvia’s Mark Mair said: “Ten of these unique prints were taken on board the helicopter when it was scrambled from RAF Lossiemouth on New Year’s Day for what had been a training flight.

“This was the last ever New Year’s flight ever to be made by the Sea King before they are retired from service.

“This very limited edition of ten signed prints will be offered for sale at £100 each with all proceeds going to Morayvia to help in the purchase of one of the aircraft so that it can be placed on permanent exhibition at our site in Kinloss.”

Print numbers two to ten go on sale from today at the Morayvia shop at the St Giles Centre in Elgin – they can also be booked by calling Mark on 07790 932018 or by email to rescue137@msn.com.

The remaining print – No.1 – will be auctioned via insideMoray at a future date, when further plans for the purchase of the Sea King will also be revealed.

Ten unique singed prints were flown on New Year’s Day

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