Statue plan for Scottish test pilot hero

● Legendary Scots airman ‘made James Bond look like a slacker’

He has been lauded by astronaut Tim Peake as the “greatest test pilot who ever lived” and held the world record for the number of landings made onto aircraft carriers.

Now flying enthusiasts have called for the creation of a bronze lifesize statue to commemorate the achievements of Scottish Second World War pilot Eric “Winkle” Brown, who died last year aged 97.

Former pilots of Edinburgh University Air Squadron are behind the move to raise £75,000 as a memorial to Leith-born Brown, who became the Royal Navy’s chief test pilot after joining the force when the war broke out in 1939.

Desert Island Discs presenter Kirsty Young described Brown – who held the world record for the number of landings onto aircraft carriers as well as having flown more types of aircraft than any other pilot in history – as “making James Bond look like a slacker” due to his string of achievements, including helping to liberate the Bergenbelsen concentration camp and using his language skills at the Nuremburg trials, when a number of Nazis were held to account.

The statue would be erected near the tram stop outside the main entrance to the terminal

0 Eric Brown held the world record for the number of landings on carriers as well as having flown more aircraft types than any other pilot building of Edinburgh Airport, formally RAF Turnhouse, where Brown learned to fly, while the air squadron also hopes to raise sufficient funds to enable several young people to learn to fly through flying scholarships.

Hamish Macleod, chairman of Edinburgh University Air Squadron Association, said: “A statue of him outside Edinburgh Airport will give the estimated three to four million passengers walking passed each year the opportunity to reflect on this Scot- tish hero who can inspire us all. Winkle’s legacy can also bring a life-changing experience to today’s youngsters by assisting them to learn to fly.”

Gordon Dewar, chief executive of Edinburgh Airport, said: “Eric ‘Winkle’ Brown’s achievements speak for themselves and it is incredible to think that one man accomplished so much.”

The statue is being designed by Scottish sculptor David Annand.