Morayvia
Volunteer-run aviation and science centre at Kinloss with a Nimrod, Search and Rescue helicopters, jets and a wrap-around planetarium.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
Morayvia was formed in May 2011 to carry on the work of the Nimrod Heritage Group, which wanted to save the last Nimrod aircraft at RAF Kinloss, XV244. It was registered as a company in 2011 and became a Scottish charity in January 2012.
A feasibility study recommended a visitor centre on the former primary school site at Abbeylands in Kinloss. The centre opened to the public on 10 October 2015, and the site passed to Morayvia in 2018 under Moray Council's community asset transfer scheme. The buildings and grounds have been extensively upgraded since then.
The project calls itself a science and technology experience that combines aerospace, astronomy and technology, and it also promotes STEM learning in Moray. It is developed and run by volunteers, among them former aircrew and engineers who flew or maintained some of the aircraft on show.
The collection includes a Nimrod MR.2, a complete Sea King Search and Rescue helicopter and a number of jets and helicopters outdoors, together with indoor displays on Search and Rescue and the Nimrod. A 7 metre wrap-around planetarium shows films during opening hours.
Highlights
- Nimrod MR.2 XV244 from RAF Kinloss
- Sea King Search and Rescue helicopter
- Avro Vulcan B2 XH563 and other jets such as the Hunter, Lightning and Jaguar
- 7 metre wrap-around planetarium cinema
- Tours led by former aircrew and engineers
Permanent exhibitions
- Outdoor aircraft, cockpits and fire engines – Historic aircraft such as the Vulcan, Hunter, Lightning, Jaguar, Wessex and Whirlwind stand outside, together with cockpits and fire engines.
- Search and Rescue and Nimrod displays – Indoor exhibits about military Search and Rescue and the Nimrod maritime patrol aircraft, including Nimrod MR.2 XV244.
- Planetarium – A 7 metre wrap-around cinema dome with shows during opening hours.
- Founded
- 2015
- Operated by
- Morayvia (Scottish charity SC042895)
Admission & discounts
| Adults | £8 |
|---|---|
| Children & teens | £5free up to age 3 · Children aged 4 to 16 pay £5; under 4s are free. |
| Planetarium show | £3 |
Prices are paid on entry.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible: no information
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom: no information
- Accessible parking: no information
- Service dogs welcome
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
Dogs are not permitted, except assistance dogs. The museum is planning an accessible toilet as part of an improvement project, but it was not yet available when the website was checked.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 3 |
|---|
The museum describes the visit as fun for all the family. Under 4s enter free and the planetarium has its own shows.
Getting there & parking
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Amenities & dining
- Museum shop
The shop sells gifts and souvenirs such as limited edition aircraft models, prints, printed slates and mugs; bespoke gifts can be made to order.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | Volunteer guides, many of them former aircrew and engineers, enhance the tour of the outdoor aircraft and the indoor exhibits. Planetarium shows run during opening hours. Groups and schools can book visits by prior arrangement through the contact form. |
