Built just before the beginning of World War II, Royal Air Force Lossiemouth is the now the only operating RAF base in Scotland.
Due to Moray’s good weather, the unit has welcomed several types of aircraft over the years, the first of which being Oxfords and Havards.
The station was handed to the Fleet Air Arm in 1946 and became known as HMS Fulmar, RNAS Lossiemouth before it was given back to the RAF in 1972.
As time progressed, the unit experienced the coming and going of many squadrons but kept its place in the local community’s heart as it assisted in vital missions, carried, and led, successful charity events.
Photographs from the Press and Journal archives have captured some of the above while others give an inside look to an interesting life at the base.
1) 1981
Buccaneer bomb loading in 1981.
2) 1985
Airmen and airwomen of the Aircraft Servicing Flight with some of the many toys they collected from the married quarters to pass on to needy children.
3) 1968
The Royal Navy Version of the American Phantom jet pictured flying above the aircraft carrier Hermes.
4) 1980
Training NCO Flt-Sgt M Lamb with Margaret Meldrum, Anne Rothnie, Maureen Haugh and Barbara MacDonald.
5) 1976
The “hello girls” who operate the busy switch board were awarded a Grade 1 classification for overall efficiency in 1976.
6) 1991
Families welcome back members of Buccaneer air, ground and support crews from the Gulf after two months away.
7) 1992
RAF Lossiemouth’s transport flight attempt to tow a fully-laiden aircraft along the runway. They raised more than £500 for Riding for the Disabled at the Law Riding Centre near Insch.
8) 1991
9) 1995
Airmen and airwomen on a parade in Buckie to exercise the station’s Freedom of Moray.
10) 1995
A fundraising effort in which three teams of 12 each pulled a 7.5 tonne fighter jet through the base made more than £2,000.
11) 1975
Rescuers return safe and well in 1975.
12) 1993
Jet bombers prepare to bow out after two years in the Gulf
13) 1994
Jets circling the air in 1994.
14) 1996
Station commander Group Captain Dusty Miller says farewell to members of the 48 sqd RAF Regiment amid a reduction in personnel.
15) 1971
An impressive line-up of the West German Star-fighter craft based at RNAS Lossiemouth.
16) 1970
Part of the crowd at the annual Air Day at RNAS Lossiemouth admiring the display of aircrafts.
17) 1983
Junior technician Kevin Barclay from Inverness testing a bomb control and release computer from a Buccaneer.
18) 1972
The Royal Naval Air Station at Lossiemouth as it was in the ’70s following a £3,000,000 modernisation programme.