Where to see the Red Arrows this weekend ahead of Portsoy Boat Festival

The Royal Air Force's Aerobatic Team will be flying past several Aberdeenshire, Moray and Highland towns this weekend.

Author: Vanessa WalkerPublished 21st Jun 2024

The Red Arrows will take to the skies across the North East this weekend with a spectacular display headed for the Glenglassaugh Scottish Traditional Boat Festival.

The Royal Air Force's Aerobatic Team will be flying past several Aberdeenshire, Moray and Highland towns for their only Scottish public display during their diamond anniversary campaign.

It will also be the Red Arrows first visit to Portsoy during the festival.

A new nine-aircraft show will feature manoeuvres not seen for a generation in their routine -which changes each year.

The traditional boat festival will see around 30 heritage vessels from near and far anchor in the town's 17th century harbour on Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 June.

On land, a programme of live music, dance, Scottish food and drink will be on offer for the thousands of visitors expected to flock to the seaside town.

Where to spot the Red Arrows this weekend

Saturday 22 June - Prestwick Airport to RAF Lossiemouth

2.55pm depart from Prestwick

2.57pm North of Sauchrie

3.03pm Balochroy

3.12pm Crachan

3.17pm Loch Morar

3.22pm Loch Lochy

3.28pm Kinch

3.32pm Forres

3.33pm Arrive at RAF Lossiemouth

Saturday 22 June - Portsoy Display

5.51pm Depart from RAF Lossiemouth

5.53pm East of Lhanbryde

5.54pm East of Charlestown of Aberlour

5.57pm East of Huntly

5.58pm West of Knowes of Elrick

5.59pm Portsoy Display

6.00pm Oversea

6.31pm Arrive at RAF Lossiemouth

Sunday 23 June - Leaving RAF Lossiemouth

2.00pm Depart from RAF Lossiemouth

2.02pm East of Fogwatt

2.06pm Sunnybrae

2.07pm Tarland

2.08pm North of Kincardine O'Neil

"Must-see event"

David Urquhart, Chairman of the Glenglassaugh Scottish Traditional Boat Festival said it is a 'delight' to have the Red Arrows perform at the event.

He said: “We are delighted to announce that the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, the Red Arrows will perform at this year’s festival.

"It is a huge honour for Portsoy to be part of their diamond anniversary campaign and as the only Scottish display during their milestone year, this is a must-see event.

“Securing the Red Arrows for 2024 is a huge achievement for the committee who work tirelessly to bring together the festival each year and will bring a new dimension to our packed programme of maritime celebrations and entertainment."

Squadron Leader Jon Bond, Team Leader and Red 1, said: “We are thrilled to be bringing our new, nine-aircraft display to Portsoy and the Scottish Traditional Boat Festival in our 60th display season.

“Many of our team members have spent significant parts of their RAF careers flying or being based in Scotland – it is wonderful to display here, and we are always humbled by the great response we receive to the performances.

“We hope those at the festival will enjoy, and be inspired by, the 2024 show featuring a combination of crowd-favourite manoeuvres and new shapes.”

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