The latest addition to a visitor attraction’s collection has already proved to be a big hit.
The impressive Highlander RIV airport fire engine was handed over to the Morayvia project at the weekend.
And within hours of the imposing vehicle’s arrival, mums, dads and children families got into the driver’s seat to try it out for size.
Morayvia director Bob Dunnett managed the handover of the fire engine to the group from Highlands and Islands Airports Ltd (Hial).
He said: “This is a significant addition to Morayvia’s growing collection of interactive exhibits.
“It makes a very impressive sight and it just gets better for visitors when they realise they can climb aboard and experience a little of what it’s like to operate, including donning helmets and fire clothing.”
The fire engine, which first came into service in the early 1990s, was stationed at Inverness Airport before later being transferred to Benbecula.
As the vehicle reverted back to the ownership of the Scottish Government when it was taken out of service it was officially given to Morayvia by the Holyrood administration.
It joins the aviation heritage and science collection at the Kinloss-based attraction, which includes a Sea King helicopter, Nimrod spy plane and planetarium.
Run entirely by volunteers, the group is aiming to develop a permanent base for its aerospace and technology exhibits for visitors to the North East and Highlands.
Moray Lord Lieutenant Grenville Johnston also took part in the fire engine handover ceremony on Saturday.
He said: “Having served at a number of Hial airports, including Inverness, the Highlander RIV is a very appropriate addition to Morayvia’s growing list of exhibits.
“As chairman of Hial I am delighted to formally hand over the fire engine, which has been gifted by the Scottish Government.
“Morayvia volunteers have made remarkable progress preserving the area’s aerospace heritage, particularly that of RAF Kinloss and Lossiemouth, and integrating these elements into an exciting and unique visitor attraction, which I have no doubt is helping to expand and diversify Moray’s economy.”
