The Review was contacted by a number of individuals last Thursday who were concerned by the quantity of aircraft flying over the town between 3.20pm and 4pm and the noise they were making.

Cats and dogs in particular were affected by the sound of the jets, and some people were even concerned the town was under attack!

But such fears were unfounded as the unusual quantity of military aircraft was the result of a NATO training exercise on the west coast of Scotland.

Joint Warrior was held between April 19-May 2, and was designed to develop the ability of aircraft, warships and submarines to operate as part of a multi-national task group in a complex and demanding operational environment.

Some 70 aircraft were involved in the marine exercise, mostly from the UK, USA and France.

Squadron Leader John Gilbert, RAF community relations officer for Scotland, admits it is unusual to encounter such a high density of low flying jets passing over a population centre, but said there was nothing sinister about it.

He said:"To see 20 over an area in a short period is unusual, but we launch 400 missions every day outwith exercises.

"Joint Warrior was a big exercise, mostly held off the west coast. There were approximately 70 aircraft there, doing reconnaissance sorties etc.

"But these jets take 20 minutes to go from coast to coast. At low-level flight they cover a mile every seven seconds, so it's not unexpected."

The RAF are now carrying out a full investigation as to why 20 aircraft flew over Montrose in such a short space of time.

Squadron Leader Gilbert is available to give talks to local community groups or anyone who is interested in military aviation.

He can be contacted by telephone on 01387 381156.