An aviation heritage group with aspirations to create a top Moray tourist attraction has asked for three years to develop their business case.
Morayvia famously secured a Sea King search and rescue helicopter after it was decommissioned earlier this year – ensuring it will remain on display in the region for years to come.
The yellow helicopter now proudly sits at the Kinloss charity’s science and technology experience project (Step), at the former Abbylands Primary School.
The group – which hopes to establish an aerospace visitor centre in Moray – hopes to take ownership of the site, where it also shows off a Nimrod and some smaller aeroplane cockpits.
But a report to go before Moray Council’s policy and resources committee tomorrow says that the group will need more time to develop their operation, and to prepare a robust business case.
The committee will be asked to extend the rent-free period at the former school for a further three years.
“In the short time that Morayvia have taken occupation of the site they have improved the facility and grounds,” states the report.
“Therefore it is recommended to provide support to Morayvia by extending the rent-free lease to November 30, 2018.
“Allowing Morayvia to develop their proposals for a three-year period will enable a much more robust business case to be developed.”
Morayvia was formed initially to save and conserve a Nimrod aircraft which formed part of the search-and-rescue fleet stationed at RAF Kinloss but has since acquired several other aviation exhibits.
Morayvia chief executive Stan Barbour said: “I think the three-year plan is fairly simple – to actually get open with a degree
of security with the view to develop and expand.
“That’s what we are really planning, but we won’t be counting our chickens.
“Obviously we are focusing on opening, but the downside we have is if we just have a three-year lease is it is not possible for us to get certain significant funding because we are not long-term renters or land owners.
“If it wasn’t for the Sea King, we would look at owning a permanent site, but because it is so attractive, we really need to get open.”
The exhibits are due to be opened selectively at weekends throughout September with tickets available online. The charity hopes to be formally opened in time for the October school break.