Yesterday we visited the National Museum of Flight Scotland at the former RAF base of East Fortune in East Lothian. I’d read about it being home to Scotland’s Concorde in Andy’s post. As I’m not that into aviation I never made the effort get to the museum, so the free entry during the Scottish Doors Open Days was my spur.
Twin Pioneer at the National Museum of Flight Scotland
I discovered that the first return Atlantic crossing by air was made in 1919 by the airship R34 which departed from East Fortune for its 10 day journey to Mineola, New York.
Model of R34 airship at National Museum of Flight Scotland
I must admit I was curious to board Concorde, but as the timed tickets were suspended for the free entry day, that entailed queueing for around 45 minutes. I’m not sure if I should have bothered as I found the interior a bit disappointing compared to the exterior.
Concorde at the National Museum of Flight Scotland
The most interesting part was the cockpit and the myriad of controls and dials.
I then walked up to the Civil Aviation Hangar.
The Scottish version of The Flying Doctors at the National Museum of Flight Scotland
During a downturn in the aviation industry in the 1960s, work was done on the development of electric cars. The Scamp, pictured below, had a range of 20 miles but the battery only lasted for one year.
Yellow Scamp at the National Museum of Flight Scotland
Surprising I found the military aviation hangar the most fascinating. The video below includes a Spitfire and a Tornado.
The Messerschmitt ME 163 Komet was a rocket powered German plane, capable of speeds of just under 700mph and was in active service during WW2.
Komet at the National Museum of Flight, Scotland
There’s a great hands on exhibition called Fantastic Flights, were you can do a simulation of an airship landing and understand how planes fly.
The normal admission fee for the National Museum of Flight Scotland is £9 per adult, £7 for concessions and free for kids aged 12 and under. From April to October the museum is open every day from 10am – 5pm, November to March it’s weekends only 1oam to 4pm. The majority of displays are indoors but you’ll be exposed to the elements walking between the hangars.
You can see all my National Museum of Flight Scotland photos and videos on Flickr here.
More on European Museums
Find out about more museums in Europe on Europe a la Carte.