There’s a pretty diverse range of entertainment on offer this weekend, ranging from dolphin spotting to recreations of war-time aerial dogfights. Susan Welsh takes a closer look at what promises to be some rather memorable days out
MONTROSE AIR STATION
It’s chocks away for a way for a fabulous day out at Montrose Air Station.
Flying displays, a vintage-aircraft rally, the premiere of a play and the chance to experience a World War I dogfight in the skies are just some of the events taking place at the air station this Saturday., August 2
The day has been organised by the team of volunteers at Montrose Air Station Heritage Centre, with close involvement from the RAF and the Western Front Association.
“On August 2, 1914, No. 2 Squadron left Montrose Air Station to lead the Royal Flying Corps to war,” said lan Doe, chairman of the centre.
“The subsequent landing of the first British aircraft in France – a BE2 piloted by No. 2 Squadron’s Lieutenant Harvey-Kelly – inspired our First in France Project, which is to be launched this weekend, August 2-3, and which features the establishment of a new centre dedicated to the history of aviation during World War I, the Lt J. Ross Robertson Building.”
Many of the No. 2 Squadron pilots who had been based at Montrose Air Station before the outbreak of war, including Lt Harvey-Kelly, lost their lives in the battle in the air between Germany and Great Britain.
As well as commemorating the start of the war, the celebrations will honour pilots from Montrose and all the other members of the armed forces who lost their lives from 1914-1918.
The theme of the day is to be children of today and the legacy of World War I, so families and young people are especially welcome to attend.
The Heritage Centre will be open free of charge on Saturday, August 2, when the programme includes flying displays, a vintage aircraft rally and the premiere of a play set at Montrose Air Station in 1914 and 1940.
Other activities on Saturday include a children’s art competition, opportunities to learn about the Western Front Association’s research into World War I, advice about finding World War I ancestors and the chance for children to dress up in wartime uniforms.
At 3.30pm, all eyes will turn towards the heavens when a dogfight, featuring a replica SE5 aircraft, will battle it out in the skies above the station.
The celebrations, which are free to attend, run from 10am-4pm this Saturday.
On Sunday, August 3, the First in France 1914 Project will be launched officially by the Lord Lieutenant of Angus, Mrs Georgiana Osborne, at a private reception attended by specially invited guests, including senior RAF officers, representatives of No. 2 Squadron, local dignitaries, supporters and sponsors of the Heritage Centre, as well as families of men who served at RFC/RAF Montrose during World War 1.
Contact: www.rafmontrose.org.uk
NATIONAL WHALE AND DOLPHIN WATCH
Whether you’re local or a tourist, there’s nothing quite like the thrill of watching dolphins swimming in our coastal waters.
You may also be able to watch killer whales, which are seen regularly around our north and west coastlines.
There’s a wealth of marine mammals out there, and it’s thanks to members of the general public that organisations such as the Sea Watch Foundation is able to build up a picture of what’s out there, and where.
This week, it has issued a call to arms, as it is looking for volunteers to give up a little of their time and get involved in the National Whale and Dolphin Watch week, which runs until Sunday, August 3.
Since the event began in 2002, around 4,500 sightings have been made in locations from the Channel Islands to Aberdeen and Shetland.
You don’t need to be a scientist or a whale expert to help, but need to be willing to dedicate at least half an hour to watching the sea, and recording what you see: you’ll be given advice on what to look out for.
Even if you think that your nearest coastline is uneventful, records will let the foundation know whether this is actually true or not.
In total, 29 species of dolphins, whales and porpoises have been recorded in UK and Irish waters, 12 of these during a National Whale and Dolphin Watch, which is why it’s important to take part if you can.
Organised events are taking place at the following locations and dates:
July 31: Dunnet Head (RSPB reserve), Caithness, 9am-5pm; Stoerhead Lighthouse, Assynt, Sutherland, 10am-4pm.
August 1: Ardnamurchan Point Lighthouse (at the foghorn), 11am-4pm.
August 2: Sumburgh Head, Shetland, 10.30am-12.30; Strathy Point, Strathy, North Sutherland, 11am-3pm; meet at the
car park at end of A851, Aird of Sleat, Grid Ref: NG 588007, Grade B/C, 10am-3pm.
August 3: Marwick Head, Kitchener Memorial, Orkney, 2-4pm; Trinkie, Wick, Caithness, 4-6pm.
If you are new to sea watching and would like to give it a try, e-mail Kathy James at kathy.james@seawatchfoundation.org.uk or visit www.seawatchfoundation.org.uk for full listing and contact details.
BOXING FESTIVAL
Swing by the Ice Factor in Kinlochleven this weekend and you’ll be in for a bit of a knockout surprise.
On Saturday, August 2, at the world’s largest indoor ice-climbing facility, they’re swapping ice axes for boxing gloves.
The venue, 15 miles south of Fort William, will host an inaugural Festival of Boxing, organised by the local Claymores Amateur Boxing Club.
The free event will see more than 60 male and female boxers, local and from as far afield as
north-east England, converge on the village to enjoy a weekend of sparring, skill development workshops and aerial adventure.
Within the centre, there will be two boxing rings where the sport will be showcased to non-boxers in the area, while up-and-coming boxers will get the chance to spar with like-minded individuals.
Martin Glenesk, head coach at the Claymores Amateur Boxing Club, who used to box while in the Royal Navy, set up the boxing club in 2006 after spotting a demand for a boxercise class.
The club, which has the backing of several big names including former WBC Lightweight Boxing Champion Ken Buchanan, now has more than 30 boxers, including 10 “carded” (competitive) boxers, and a kids and masters section.
Among those taking part this weekend are Eilidh Smith, daughter of Ice Factor owners Tracey and Jamie Smith.
The 14-year-old Kinlochleven High School pupil made boxing history earlier this year when she became the first female boxer from Lochaber to fight in a competitive bout.
“It’s fantastic that Martin (Glenesk) and the local community are pulling together to stage the Festival of Boxing,” said Eilidh.
“I’m really looking forward to the chance to meet fellow-boxers and hopefully inspire a few more girls in the area to get involved in a sport that is fun and great for all-round fitness.”
Martin said: “I hope the Festival of Boxing will inspire more males and females of all ages to recognise the appeal of boxing as a sport they can enjoy for fun, fitness and even competitively in the west Highlands.
“It will give everyone the chance to spar, practise technique and to have fun with like-minded individuals. There will
even be the chance to get to grips with Ice Factor’s aerial assault course.”
The event runs from noon-5pm, with additional events such as a car boot sale, running from 11am-3pm.
Contact: www.ice-factor.co.uk or www.facebook.com/ claymoresabc