Fury as Navy torpedo airshow
Scotland’s biggest air party has been plunged into crisis – just DAYS before take- off.
Display bosses have been left “picking up the pieces” after a shock fall- out with the Royal Navy.
The 40- minute “centrepiece” of Saturday’s Low Green spectacular has been sunk after the Forces pulled out at the eleventh hour.
Airshow boss Doug Maclean blasted the move as “deplorable” – and claimed Navy chiefs had treated the event with “a complete lack of respect”.
A Type 23 Frigate, beach assault, Merlin helicopter and a full detachment of Royal Marines and Commandos were all set to visit.
But the Navy have ditched the demo on the eve
of showtime, blaming financial constraints. Maclean said: “We’re being told the Frigate has been operationally re- tasked, which is fair enough. But the reason for the others being pulled, in the main, is financial.
“Are we to believe the Royal Navy now operate on week- to-week budgets?
“We first set this up with them six months ago and they come to us one week before the show pulling out. It’s a real letdown for spectators and I’m angry and disappointed.
“The Merlin helicopter, the Faslane- based P2000 ship and the Royal Marines and Commandos have simply been withdrawn with no good reason and will remain in their current locations. That’s beyond comprehension. And if finances were an issue, why was the demo agreed to in the first place?”
The Navy consignment had been put front and centre of Saturday’s schedule.
And a stunning £ 10,000 pyrotechnic show – paid for by the airshow – was set to accompany their display.
Doug said: “My team have worked incredibly hard to fill this gap at our expense.
“We will do so in spectacular fashion thanks to the pilots and display companies who have helped us so quickly.”
Bosses have convinced the Red Arrows to make an unscheduled flyover on Saturday before their main display the following day.
More than 150,000 are expected to flood the coastline for the two- day spectacular.
South Ayrshire Council leader Douglas Campbell branded the Navy “disingenuous”.
He said: “The organisers’ only concern in the days before the event should be the weather – not on how to fill 40 minutes of flying display time as a result of an incomprehensible decision.”
A Royal Navy spokesman said: “The Type 23 frigate that had been designated to attend this year’s Scottish Airshow has unfortunately had to withdraw due to operational commitments. It is always disappointing for the captain and ship’s company of a warship to cancel a public engagement, but operational commitments always take priority.
The best place to catch the weekend’s spectacular is at Ayr’s Low Green, where the site opens from 10am on both days.
But if you want to beat the crowds, there’s plenty of other handy spots.
The Carrick Hills, Troon and Prestwick shores and the old Digital plant at Session-field are all set to be popular haunts for canny observers.
For our top guide to the show, check out our eight- page pull- out inside today’s paper.