Ambitious plans for a £400,000 tribute to honour a WWII hero in Moffat have been launched this week.
The Moffat Spitfire Project will see the relocation and installation of the replica aircraft to the grounds of Sir Hugh Dowding’s childhood home, the former St Ninian’s School, by next autumn.
A meeting involving the project committee took place on Wednesday night at the Old Well Theatre to get the views of local people.
The registered charity behind the project is looking for donations towards the £315,000 cost of creating the garden and moving the Spitfire from the Moffat home of former GP, and RAF pilot officer, Hamish MacLeod.
Dr MacLeod is also a former teacher at St Ninian’s School, now known as Dowding House, which is a sheltered housing development owned by the Royal Air Forces Association for the exclusive use of ex-RAF personnel.
Last year he spoke of his intention to gift his own life-size replica Spitfire to the facility which he regards as “the best and most appropriate place for a memorial to Dowding”.
Dowding was Air Officer Commanding RAF Fighter Command during the Battle of Britain and is credited with playing a crucial role in the country’s defence against Adolf Hitler’s forces.
Dr Macleod said: “It’s the most fabulous looking aircraft ever – hugely beautiful. I feel a massive love for the aircraft and to have this copy of one I actually flew is so special.”
The aircraft is a replica of Spitfire PT462, which flew in 1943 and will be mounted as if in flight above the garden, which will be planted in red, white and blue to resemble a Union Flag with a statue of Lord Dowding underneath.
Phase two of the project will involve setting up an educational experience that will bring to life the story of Lord Dowding, “The Few” and the courage and sacrifice of the men who protected this country from
invasion in 1940.
For more information on the project please go to www.moffatspitfireproject.co.uk.
