Residents across Perth and Kinross, particularly those near Crieff, are advised of upcoming military training exercises involving Chinook helicopters and armed forces personnel. These operations, part of a three-week national programme, will commence on August 18 and are expected to run continuously, day and night, until September 5.
The Ministry of Defence has issued a public advisory regarding the nature of the exercises, which will see low-level Chinook helicopter flights as a prominent feature in the skies above the region. While specific dates for Crieff and Kirriemuir (Angus) have not been detailed, these areas are confirmed to be part of the training zones, meaning local communities should be prepared for increased aerial activity. Understanding the Training Operations
The exercises are described as routine continuation training for Chinook (CH47) helicopters. This type of training is crucial for maintaining the operational readiness of military personnel and involves a variety of complex manoeuvres designed to simulate real-world scenarios. The rugged and varied terrain of Perthshire and Angus provides an ideal environment for such intensive practice.
Key aspects of the training will include mountain flying, challenging ‘touch and go’ landings in remote or ‘austere’ areas, and the deployment and extraction of armed forces personnel. This means that, in addition to the distinct sound of the helicopters, members of the public might observe ground troops in action. The Ministry of Defence also confirmed that the sound of blank ammunition being used could be heard during these periods of ground activity. It is important for residents to understand that all such activities are part of a controlled and necessary training regimen. Impact on Local Communities in Perth and Kinross
For those living in or visiting Crieff and the surrounding Perth and Kinross countryside, the most noticeable impact will be the increased noise from the continuous low-level helicopter flights. Given the round-the-clock nature of the exercise, this aerial presence may be audible at all hours, both day and night, throughout the entire duration of the training period.
The Ministry of Defence has emphasized that these exercises are being conducted in close collaboration with Police Scotland, ensuring that public safety and local considerations are taken into account during the planning and execution of the training. This inter-agency cooperation aims to minimize disruption while allowing essential military readiness to be maintained.
Beyond Crieff and Kirriemuir, the extensive training programme will also encompass other diverse landscapes across Scotland. Areas including Aberdeenshire, Ayrshire, the Cairngorms National Park, and the Scottish Borders are also slated to experience similar military activities. This broad geographical scope underscores the comprehensive nature of the training, designed to prepare personnel for a wide array of operational environments.
Previous military activities, such as low-flying RAF Chinooks, have occasionally drawn public attention, as noted by an instance involving an Arbroath walker in an Angus glen last month. Such observations highlight the often striking and sometimes unexpected nature of these large military aircraft operating in civilian airspace. While the sight and sound of such powerful machines can be impressive, the primary purpose of these exercises is serious and vital training for national defence.
In summary, while the presence of low-flying Chinook helicopters and the distant sound of gunfire might be unusual for daily life in Perth and Kinross, these activities are a pre-planned and integral part of the armed forces’ commitment to readiness. The military and local authorities are working together to manage the exercise effectively and safely for both the training personnel and the public. Residents are encouraged to be aware of the scheduled period of activity from August 18 to September 5.
The Ministry of Defence has issued a public advisory regarding the nature of the exercises, which will see low-level Chinook helicopter flights as a prominent feature in the skies above the region. While specific dates for Crieff and Kirriemuir (Angus) have not been detailed, these areas are confirmed to be part of the training zones, meaning local communities should be prepared for increased aerial activity. Understanding the Training Operations
The exercises are described as routine continuation training for Chinook (CH47) helicopters. This type of training is crucial for maintaining the operational readiness of military personnel and involves a variety of complex manoeuvres designed to simulate real-world scenarios. The rugged and varied terrain of Perthshire and Angus provides an ideal environment for such intensive practice.
Key aspects of the training will include mountain flying, challenging ‘touch and go’ landings in remote or ‘austere’ areas, and the deployment and extraction of armed forces personnel. This means that, in addition to the distinct sound of the helicopters, members of the public might observe ground troops in action. The Ministry of Defence also confirmed that the sound of blank ammunition being used could be heard during these periods of ground activity. It is important for residents to understand that all such activities are part of a controlled and necessary training regimen. Impact on Local Communities in Perth and Kinross
For those living in or visiting Crieff and the surrounding Perth and Kinross countryside, the most noticeable impact will be the increased noise from the continuous low-level helicopter flights. Given the round-the-clock nature of the exercise, this aerial presence may be audible at all hours, both day and night, throughout the entire duration of the training period.
The Ministry of Defence has emphasized that these exercises are being conducted in close collaboration with Police Scotland, ensuring that public safety and local considerations are taken into account during the planning and execution of the training. This inter-agency cooperation aims to minimize disruption while allowing essential military readiness to be maintained.
Beyond Crieff and Kirriemuir, the extensive training programme will also encompass other diverse landscapes across Scotland. Areas including Aberdeenshire, Ayrshire, the Cairngorms National Park, and the Scottish Borders are also slated to experience similar military activities. This broad geographical scope underscores the comprehensive nature of the training, designed to prepare personnel for a wide array of operational environments.
Previous military activities, such as low-flying RAF Chinooks, have occasionally drawn public attention, as noted by an instance involving an Arbroath walker in an Angus glen last month. Such observations highlight the often striking and sometimes unexpected nature of these large military aircraft operating in civilian airspace. While the sight and sound of such powerful machines can be impressive, the primary purpose of these exercises is serious and vital training for national defence.
In summary, while the presence of low-flying Chinook helicopters and the distant sound of gunfire might be unusual for daily life in Perth and Kinross, these activities are a pre-planned and integral part of the armed forces’ commitment to readiness. The military and local authorities are working together to manage the exercise effectively and safely for both the training personnel and the public. Residents are encouraged to be aware of the scheduled period of activity from August 18 to September 5.