National Museum of Flight

National Museum of Flight. It is Scotland's national aviation museum, forming part of National Museums Scotland and located at the former RAF East Fortune airfield near East Lothian. The museum holds one of the most significant aviation collections in the United Kingdom, encompassing military, civil, and recreational aircraft that chart the history of flight from the early 20th century to the Jet Age. Its site is a designated Ancient Monument due to its well-preserved World War I and World War II military architecture.

History

The museum's origins trace to 1971 when the Royal Scottish Museum (now National Museums Scotland) began collecting aircraft, with the first, a Supermarine Spitfire, arriving in 1972. It officially opened at the East Fortune site in 1975, utilizing the historic hangars and technical buildings of the former Royal Air Force station. RAF East Fortune itself played crucial roles in both world wars, serving as a training base for the Royal Flying Corps and later as a Fighter Command station during the Battle of Britain. Major expansion occurred in the 1990s and 2000s, including the construction of a large, modern hangar to house the Concorde exhibit, with the aircraft G-BOAA being transported to the site in 2004 after its final flight from London Heathrow Airport.

Exhibits and aircraft

The collection is displayed across several themed hangars and includes iconic aircraft such as the British Airways Concorde, a Harrier GR3, and a TSR-2 strike aircraft. The **Fortunes of War** exhibition, housed in original World War II buildings, focuses on the site's military history and features aircraft like the Westland Lysander and a Bristol Blenheim reconstruction. The **Great Hall** showcases a diverse range from a fragile Bleriot XI monoplane to the sleek MiG-21 fighter, while the **Fantastic Flight** gallery explores the principles of aerodynamics and space flight with interactive displays. Other significant holdings include a Handley Page Hastings, a de Havilland Comet, and a Scottish Aviation Twin Pioneer.

Facilities and location

The museum is situated on the expansive grounds of the former RAF East Fortune airfield, approximately 20 miles east of Edinburgh near the village of East Fortune. The site retains its historic layout, featuring two large, original Belfast truss hangars from the World War I era, a control tower, and various technical sheds that are protected structures. The main visitor facilities are concentrated around the **Concorde Hangar**, which also houses a café, shop, and the main reception. The airfield's perimeter track and runways, though no longer operational for regular aviation, provide the setting for outdoor events and are part of the designated conservation area.

Operations and governance

The institution is operated and funded by National Museums Scotland, a non-departmental public body sponsored by the Scottish Government through the Culture and Historic Environment Directorate. Day-to-day management is handled by a dedicated museum team, including curatorial, conservation, and education staff. The museum's collection and research activities are integrated with the national collections held at the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh, with expertise shared across the organization. Key operational partners include Historic Environment Scotland for site stewardship and various aviation heritage groups, such as the Royal Aeronautical Society.

Public engagement and events

A dynamic program of public events includes the renowned **Airshow Scotland** held annually, which features displays by the Royal Air Force Red Arrows and historic aircraft from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight. The museum runs extensive learning programs for schools, focusing on STEM subjects linked to the Curriculum for Excellence, and offers family activities during school holidays. Temporary exhibitions, such as those exploring the history of Scottish Aviation or the Space Race, are regularly mounted. The site is also a popular venue for private functions, corporate hospitality, and filming, having been featured in productions for the BBC and Channel 4.

Category:Aviation museums in Scotland Category:Museums in East Lothian Category:National museums of Scotland Category:Aerospace museums in the United Kingdom