RNAS Machrihanish

RNAS Machrihanish is a former military air base on the western side of the Kintyre Peninsula with runways and operational buildings spread across the site. The location now functions as a commercial airport serving the surrounding region.

The base started in 1916 as a naval flying station for maritime patrol and became a key military site during World War II. After the war it continued as a military facility for decades before transitioning to local ownership in 2012.

The name comes from the nearby bay and holds meaning for locals as a symbol of transition from military control to community ownership. This change continues to shape how residents view and use the place today.

The site is best reached by car as it sits in a rural coastal location away from major settlements. The airport area is open to visitors interested in aviation and the grounds, though some sections may be restricted depending on flight operations.

During the Cold War the base served as a critical NATO facility where the United States Navy stored and maintained weapons. This secret military role gave it global importance, though the details remained hidden from public view for many years.

Location: Argyll and Bute

GPS coordinates: 55.44083,-5.69806

Latest update: December 14, 2025 11:04