Atlantic House.

[Mr_Grubby]

Can anyone tell me the date in 1978 when Gailes Radar and Redbrae House closed and all ScATCC operations moved to Atlantic House ?

Thanks,

C.

[Take up the Hold]

I seem to remember November that year, but I wouldn't swear to it.

TUTH

[fisbangwollop]

I started in Oceanic at Atlantic house during November 1978, Both Oceanic and airways were in there at that time but I seem to remember Gailes radar station was still operational but about to close.

[fisbangwollop]

p.s. There will be a few folk left that actually worked at Redbrae, Atlantic house and NPC come this December....can you think who they are????

[Lon More]

I spent six months at Redbrae in 1970/71.

At that time the sims and the original Oceanic computer were at Atlantic House Interesting was that the external fire escapes had differenf foundations from the main builfing which was sinking faster than them, The bottom foot had to be cut off the doors to allow them to open onto the escapes.

[PPRuNe Radar]

There's a joint CAA/Marconi plaque on the wall which is dated January 1978 for the radar display equipment, but that is probably for commisioning rather than entering full service.

I wonder if the NATS history book distributed by the company a short while back mentions an exact date or not. Will have a look when I find it.

[eastern wiseguy]

I started as an assistant in Redbrae in January 1978 before moving to Atlantic House....I reckon that was about November.

Hey Mr Grubby.....hows things?

[Lon More]

More memories of Ardair House than Atlantic House

[NO 7]

'Pedant mode on'

Ardayre House!

There are still a few of Parkstone Hotel support team extant

[Lon More]

Apologies No. 7, It's been nearly 40 years!!

[eastern wiseguy]

I was the FINAL ATC resident of Ardayre house.....happy days....

[Mr_Grubby]

Hi everyone.

Thanks for the replies. I have all my Training reports to hand.
I validated at Gailes on 1st March '78
Then I started Training on Sector 24, in Atlantic House on 8th July '78.

So that should narrow it down a bit.

Cheers,

Clint.

[Hyperborean]

Atlantic House in the training section early summer of 71 before being packed off to Border Radar. My major memory is the the liaison visit organised by Jimmy White (apologies if name wrong), to the Grant's distillery at Girvan. The Electric Brae on the way home was rather effective I thought, but then I had the advantage of being a passenger and not the driver. Happy days!

[Mr_Grubby]

Hyperborean.

Yes, It was Jimmy White. A short, little jovial Scotsman. A nice man. He always made sure that all new arrivals went on a liason visit to Grants. He insisted that he was in charge of the party. I think that he just enjoyed the hospitality room afterwards !!!

C.

[Mr_Nightman]

Lifted from Peter Berry's excellent book "Prestwick Airport & Scottish Aviation"

Transatlantic ATC remained at Redbrae House in Scotland for 31 years,until 5 April 1972 when the Oceanic Control Centre moved down the road to Atlantic House,the refurbished National Coal Board building..

The Scottish Airways centre moved into Atlantic House on the completion of the purpose built extension on 2 November 1978.

[folkyphil]

Peter Berry's book provides the answer to the original question, I believe...

Slightly off-thread, did any of you reprobates rent a room from "Mrs Mac", Main Street, Prestwick (above "The Silver Tassie Bar") around 1971/72?
Charlie, her husband, drove an old Mercedes taxi, and "made a few bob" from ATC Cadets and airport staff.

Some happy sessions in "The Links", amongst other drinking holes...

PM me if you have recollections of same!

Phil H.