287 (Stenhouse) Squadron Air Training Corps

The present Edinburgh and South Scotland Wing came into existence when Dumfries and West Scotland Wing was disbanded in the 60's. At this time, Squadrons in Dumfries, Annan, Castle Douglas, Lockerbie and Moffat joined Edinburgh and South East Scotland Wing, and the Wing's name changed.
 
The Squadron won the Drill competition year after year from the late 50s until well into the late 60s; so much so that other Squadrons did not enter. This was under W/O J Drysdale and W/O A J Carter.
 
Throughout the 60's, 287 Squadron was parent to two Detached Flights. The first of these gained independent Squadron status in 1964 and was registered as 2463 (Currie and Balerno) Squadron, and the other, the present day 870 (Dreghorn) Squadron gained Squadron status in the early 70's.
 
The Squadron has produced 4 Wing Commanders viz Wing Commander Wilson, Wing Commander Neish, Wing Commander Ireland and the current acting Wing Commander- Sqn Ldr McAdam. No other Squadron in the Wing can claim that. In addition the Squadron has produced cadets who have gone on to command at least 5 other Squadrons. Not a bad record
 
Throughout the 80's and 90's, the Squadron also performed exceptionally in the drill stakes, winning the Edinburgh Wing and Scotland and Northern Ireland Region Drill Cups every year under the leadership of the late Warrant Officer Lenny Sclater. This is a reputation we are keen to reestablish.
 
In 2007, notice was given to the Squadron Commander, Flt Lt Raymond Smart, that the Squadron's home in Stenhouse Drive was to be demolished to make way for the Edinburgh Trams Initiative. As such, in 2008, 287 Squadron was temporarily relocated with 870 (Dreghorn) Squadron in Colinton.
 
Although during this time Squadron membership fell to an all time low (mainly due to travel difficulties and staffing setbacks), friendships and links with 870 Squadron were forged, and we benefitted greatly from the collaboration with another Squadron. These links will last for years to come.
 
 In 2010, after 2 years of displacement, the Air Cadet Organisation rewarded us with brand new premises in Stevenson Drive, Edinburgh. These premises are much closer to our original home, and allow us to resume recruitment drives in a normal fashion.
 
A year after moving into our new premises, we are once again flourishing. Our Squadron roll has doubled and we are able to offer a fixed programme of training to young people in the West of Edinburgh once again.
 
2010 saw one of the Squadron's proudest moments when our Cadets were invited to take part in a march through the Edinburgh Royal Mile as part of the Armed Forces Day parade. This is a role we will reprise in 2011.
 
In 2011, Edinburgh and South Scotland Wing disbanded. Elements from Edinburgh Wing merged with units from Dundee and Central Scotland Wing to form the larger and better South East Scotland Wing. With 36 Squadrons, we are now part of one of the largest Wings in the Corps.

In 2012, the Squadron name was changed from 4th Edinburgh to Stenhouse, reflecting the particular area of Edinburgh in which the Squadron has it's HQ.

It is our belief that the only way from here is UP!