Welcome to our first blog post from HMS Tern Living Museum, Orkney. The name is taken from the unofficial newsletter published by personnel stationed at the training airfield located in which was, for many, a very remote billet on the edge of the world!

We are creating a Living Museum at HMS Tern….slowly, but surely the team of volunteers and paid staff are recreating the look, smell and feel of a training airfield in World War II on Orkney.

Our goal is to bring to life the historical setting and daily life during the Second World War through guided tours, events, and talks, all set in the beautifully preserved surroundings of an airfield in the landscape.

The site is extensive, offering a wide range of attractions. From the control tower, where trainee pilots received clearance to take off and land during challenging training missions over the North Atlantic, to air raid shelters and even a cinema, there is much to explore. It provides a glimpse into the lives of the men and women stationed at this bustling outpost off the northern coast of mainland Scotland. Additionally, you can look forward to an increasing number of events and activities throughout the season.

The name of this blog is taken from the newsletter of the airfield which was published by personnel stationed there from 1939 until 1945. We aim to recreate the idea and add articles and interesting developments as the museum progresses.