History

Air cadet gliding in Scotland started as far back as 1942 when records indicate that No1 Elementary Gliding School was formed at Strathaven in Lanarkshire. The School moved to Dungavel at the beginning of April 1944 and in 1950 moved south to Dumfries until 1955 when on the 24th of November it moved to RAF Turnhouse near Edinburgh and became 661 Volunteer Gliding School.

The School remained at RAF Turnhouse from 1955 to 1964, however with the increasing demands for an International Airport at Edinburgh, the airfield was passed to civilian air traffic and the School was suspended until a suitable alternative location could be found.

This suspension lasted until 1967 when news came that the USAF communication base at Kirknewton was to become available. Flying Officer Rodger Henshaw and Pilot Officer Tom Moffat worked tirelessly to re-open the School and their efforts were rewarded on the 2nd of April 1967, when 661 Volunteer Gliding School officially recommenced operations at RAF Kirknewton where it proudly operates to this day.

When the School arrived at Kirknewton the site was peppered with the remains of concrete blocks and ariels left when 7535th USAF left the base and the area was flattened and re-seeded to allow safe operations.

Using a fleet of five gliders consisting of two Sedbergh TX Mk I and three Kirby Cadet TX Mk III's, the staff of 661 began again to provide gliding courses for air cadets throughout central scotland. Some time later, Sir Roderick, the single seater Swallow XS652, one of three gifted to the ATC by the McRoberts Trust arrived at Kirknewton and was operated until 1976 when a fouth Mk III was provided as a replacement.

Today, the School operates a fleet of six Grob 103 Acro's purchased by the air cadets in 1985 providing a range of gliding courses to cadets from Durham & Northumberland, Edinburgh & South Scotland, and Glasgow and West Scotland Wings of the Air Cadets. The rich heritage and proud history of the School provides a backdrop for the cadets of today pursue the primary aim of the organisation -

To promote and encourage among young people, a practical interest in aviation.

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