Airfield search

Fearn (Clay of Allan) (including Easter)

Major

Also known as:	Easter Airstrip / Fearn Aerodrome / Fearn 'Drome Industrial Estate / Fearn Industrial Estate / HMS Owl / RAF Fearn / RN Air Station, Fearn / RNAS Fearn
County:	Highland
Current Status:	Aviation / Farmland (main position) / Industry
Date:	1941 (earliest known date December) - 1957; subsequent limited flying (Easter Airfield from May 2008)
Current Use:	Limited flying
Used By:	RAF / FAA (main user) / Civil (limited flying)
Landing Surface Types:	Paved, later unpaved (for Easter)
Aircraft Roles:	General aviation (limited flying) / Naval aviation (main role) / Trainer

Fearn was built as a satellite to Tain, opening in late 1941 under RAF control. However, the RAF used the airfield very sparingly and the site was transferred to the Royal Navy in the summer of 1942, becoming HMS Owl. The Fleet Air Arm operated a torpedo training school at Fearn with several units flying the Fairey Barracuda from the spring of 1943. Small numbers of Fairey Swordfish and Avro Ansons were also used here, the Ansons being used for radar training.

The Navy continued to use Fearn for both training and operational flying with most units having relatively short stays. Barracudas were the main aircraft flying from Fearn during the war, although Fairey Fireflies and a few other aircraft types also joined them at various times.

Following the end of the war, all units had disbanded or left the airfield by the spring of 1946 and Fearn was soon handed back to the RAF. There was some use by the RAF from 1952 and 1953 as a Relief Landing Ground for Airspeed Oxfords based at Dalcross, storage use also occurring prior to the site being officially disposed of.

Many of the airfield buildings survive and the main four storey naval control tower has now been converted into a house. The three runways are still visible and one has occasionally been used by propeller aircraft carrying out circuit training. The dispersal areas can also be clearly seen and a few hangars remain. Fearn was originally tentatively alternatively suggested as having its name as Clay of Allan while being built, and in more recent years has also become known as Easter. Easter is now used as a private airstrip.

The following organisations are either based at, use and/or have at least potentially significant connections with the airfield (as at 01/09/2011):

Balintore & Hilton Community Council
Fearn Community Council
Fearndrome Garage
Nigg and Shandwick Community Council

Main unit(s) present:

No 8 AFTS
No 708 Sqn
No 714 Sqn
No 717 Sqn
No 719 Sqn
No 736B Sqn
No 747 Sqn
No 812 Sqn
No 814 Sqn
No 815 Sqn
No 816 Sqn
No 817 Sqn
No 818 Sqn
No 819 Sqn
No 821 Sqn
No 822 Sqn
No 823 Sqn
No 824 Sqn
No 825 Sqn
No 826 Sqn
No 828 Sqn
No 837 Sqn
No 841 Sqn
No 847 Sqn
No 860 Sqn
Station Flight, Fearn

Photographs and video from the memorial unveiling at Fearn on Saturday 11th August 2018:

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A Luftwaffe aerial reconnaissance photograph showing Fearn, 1941. © Historic Environment Scotland (Luftwaffe: Aerial Reconnaissance (Scotland)), canmore.org.uk

Gas decontamination centre at Fearn, view from the west showing the venting column and water tank on the roof, 6 May 1997. © Crown Copyright: Historic Environment Scotland, canmore.org.uk

Mainhill type hangar at Fearn from the east, 6 May 1997. © Crown Copyright: Historic Environment Scotland, canmore.org.uk

Fearn airfield Naval control tower, view from the south, also showing a Nissen hut to the rear, May 1997. © Crown Copyright: Historic Environment Scotland, canmore.org.uk

Interior of the Mess hall at the accommodation camp, showing the mural of Fleet Air Arm insignia above the fireplace, May 1997. © Crown Copyright: Historic Environment Scotland, canmore.org.uk