A UNIQUE Angus collection opened its doors on a milestone year at the weekend.

For 21 years, former serviceman Richard Moss, now 84 has welcomed visitors from across the globe to the Kirriemuir Aviation Museum in Bellies Brae.

The attraction is a treasure trove of aviation memorabilia, which continues to grow thanks to the generosity of people who donate items for the collection after either visiting it themselves or hearing about the museum.

Mr Moss’ vast knowledge of the exhibits in a museum bursting at the seams has been appreciated by thousands of visitors over the two decades, including Saturday’s first tourist of the 2006 season.

John Wilkinson from Cumbria was visiting Angus last week, and was glad to be able to make a flying visit to the museum before heading south on Saturday morning.

“I don’t have an RAF connection,” he said.

“It’s just my own interest in aircraft which brings me to places like this.

“It’s amazing the stuff that is gathered here and it’s all very personal, with the signatures of the people involved.”

Mr Moss managed to give the English guest a run-down of some of the attraction’s exhibits, but admitted the number of items on display amazes many visitors.

“It’s a small place and people often think that it won’t take long to look round, but once they get inside they discover how much we have,” he said.

A regular feature over the past 20 years has been the “gate guard” at the door of the museum.

The mannequin for the opening part of the anniversary season is dressed in the donated uniform of a captain from the 4th Indian Division.

*Pictured: Mr Moss (left) with Mr Wilkinson.