High fliers take to sky
Red Arrows steal the show as more than 120,000 turn out for Low Green spectacular
Spectators came from far and wide for the Scottish Airshow at the weekend.
A record 120,000 aircraft enthusiasts turned up to the event, which saw Ayr’s Low Green and coastal vantage points packed.
Then on Sunday, the static display at Prestwick gave visitors the chance to get up close and personal with the aircraft.
Lewis Lynch is pictured searching the sky for the next arrival.
It was hyped as the biggest event to hit Ayrshire in decades. And the Scottish Airshow did not disappoint.
A record turnout of flight fans plunged millions into our economy and left a feel- good factor worth much more besides.
Spectators took the chance on a glorious Saturday afternoon to pack out Ayr’s Low Green for as far as the eye could see.
But miles beyond Ayr, reports were coming in of “chaos” on the likes of Dundonald Hill as people scrapped for the last available viewing spots.
This was indeed Ayrshire’s moment in the sunshine. And organisers can’t wait to do it all again.
Doug Maclean, airshow director, said this week: “We’re all physically and mentally exhausted after a phenomenal weekend – but the talk about next year has already begun.
“The official figures from police said more than 70,000 turned out on the Low Green and when you add in the people watching in surrounding towns, we easily reckon the figure hit 120,000. It was a tremendous family day with a superb atmosphere and we couldn’t have asked for more.”
Highlights of a stunning day included the Vulcan bomber – making her last trip to Scotland – and the Red Arrows who, as usual, gave a stunning display.
And there was even a touch of drama for the vintage Vulcan when she was forced into an emergency landing at Prestwick following her display at Ayr when her landing gear failed to fully extend.
But all ended well with a safe landing before she was given an emotional send- off at Sunday’s static display at Prestwick.
An estimated crowd of 8000 turned out to get up close and personal with some of the historic aircraft before they were sent on their way. Organisers are now looking at ways of helping to finance next year’s big event, with a “crowdfunding” option under consideration.