THE MORAY GROUP behind an ambitious attempt to bring one of the iconic Sea King search and rescue helicopters back to the region as a permanent exhibit say they are “confident” of success.
Morayvia have set a target of £30,000 to make the dream of establishing one of the aircraft in Moray at their planned interactive science and technology centre a reality. Now Morayvia Chairman Mark Mair has said he is “confident” that it is a dream that can be achieved with the support of the local community.
“The support we have had so far has been absolutely incredible – but we still need to push on with our fundraising efforts,” he said. Mr Mair added that the group hoped that they would hear some news on their bid “in the next month”.
Part of the fundraising efforts include 202 specially produced limited edition bottles of 21-year-old Speyside Malt Whisky, marking 202 Squadron, the Sea King unit disbanded at RAF Lossiemouth in April.
There is also model Sea King that was donated by Dallas pensioner Rob Matthews which is being auctioned. Mark said: “This is worth around £1000 on its own as it has been signed by former all of the departing members of 202 Squadron.”
A Ministry of Defence spokesman said that disposal of the now decommissioned Sea King aircraft would “ensure that the department achieves the best return for the taxpayer.”
Information on the fundraising efforts of the Morayvian group can be found online.