More than 1,500 people attended Benbecula Airport ’s first ever open day on Saturday 10 July.

The airport raised more than £3,000 for charity on the day with help from the local emergency services and the many local people who attended the event that provided entertainment for all the family.

Members of the public gained a behind the scenes look at how the airport operates and the open day featured demonstrations from the airport fire service, local authority fire service, ambulance service, police and coast guard.

The airport fire service demonstrated their equipment and procedures while the local authority fire service displayed the techniques used to free someone from a car after a road traffic accident. The ambulance service gave first aid demonstrations while the coast guard and police were represented by their emergency support unit.

To accompany the emergency services’ demonstrations there was a range of fun activities for all the family including beat the goalie, a bouncy castle, horse rides, pillow fights, tug of war, karate demonstrations, police dog trials, bungee runs, quad bikes, bonus ball and a car boot sale. Two vintage buses provided transport for people during the day.

Michael Maclean, Benbecula Airport Manager, said: “The airport open day was a great success and all our visitors seemed to enjoy themselves. I’d like to thank everyone who helped make the day what it was and assisted in raising over £3,000 for charity.”

ENDS