Barry Buddon Range

Military Land Use. The site was not 'closed' in the traditional sense, as it was never a formal, public airport. Its primary and continuous function since the 1850s has been as a military training area. Any aviation activity was ancillary to this role and ceased as military needs changed after WWI. The area is an active live-fire range, making any public aviation impossible.

The site is an active and strategically important military facility known as the Barry Buddon Training Area, managed by the Ministry of Defence. It is used extensively for live-fire training by regular and reserve forces, including small arms, mortar, and artillery practice. The area is also designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) due to its unique dune ecosystem. Public access is strictly prohibited and dangerous when training is in progress (indicated by red flags). Any remnants of former airstrips are disused and unmaintained.

The site's primary historical significance is as the Barry Buddon Training Area, a major UK Ministry of Defence (MOD) live-firing range used by the British Army for over 150 years. Its aviation history is minor; during World War I, it served as a Class C Auxiliary Landing Ground for the Royal Flying Corps (RFC). Operations would have involved light aircraft on grass strips for training, reconnaissance, and artillery spotting in support of the ground forces training at the range. It was associated with the main RFC base at Montrose.

None. The site is a critical, active military training area for the UK's armed forces. There are no plans, and no possibility, of it being converted or reopened for any form of civilian or public aviation due to its essential military function, the inherent dangers of live-fire exercises, and the presence of unexploded ordnance.