Visitors to Campbeltown Airport are being offered the chance to step back in time and fly in one of the aircraft that pioneered passenger flights in Scotland more than 70 years ago.

Historic military and civilian aircraft will be taking to the sky above Campbeltown on Saturday 16 August when the airport plays host to a vintage flying day in the year that marks a century of manned flight.

A dozen aircraft, ranging from a Spitfire to a de Havilland Rapide, will take part in the public event supported by Highlands and Islands Airports Limited, Argyll and the Islands Enterprise and Argyll and Bute Council. Dozens more classic aircraft have been invited to fly in for the day.

The Rapide, operated by Air Atlantique, will offer visitors to the event pleasure flights over the Kintyre peninsula and is the type of aircraft that pioneered passenger services in Scotland in the 1930s. Other aircraft, including a Gipsey Moth and strikingly painted Jet Provost, will join acrobatic bi-planes and many ex-service aeroplanes for the day’s flying programme.

PDG Helicopters will also offer sightseeing flights over the stunning scenery of the Mull of Kintyre during the event.

The line up of classic aircraft will be supported by attractions on the ground including vintage vehicles, trade stands and amusements, plus catering and bar facilities.

Terry Booker from the event’s consultants, The Great Vintage Flying Weekend Team said: "The Vintage Flying Day at Campbeltown Airport is a fantastic opportunity to see aviation history come to life. The array of aircraft attending is impressive and visitors will have the opportunity to see them both at close hand on the ground and flying.

"This year marks the 100^th anniversary of manned flight and we have assembled a group of historically important aircraft from across the UK for the event at Campbeltown Airport. It’s a rare opportunity to see these fascinating aircraft take to the sky in Scotland."

Derrick Lang, Highlands and Islands Airports’ station manager at Campbeltown Airport said: "The previous air show at Campbeltown in 2000 attracted thousands of people and we hope that the Vintage Flying Day will also prove a draw for visitors. This is a unique opportunity to see a selection of classic aircraft in one place and should be a fantastic family day out with the range of ground attractions also on offer at the airport.

"We have joined the local authority and local enterprise company in staging this event as part of the airport’s wider role in promoting economic development in the area and to celebrate 100 years of aviation. A key growth market for the airport is the general aviation sector and we are also expecting many private aviators to fly in to the airport for the event.

"We would also like to express our thanks to Defence Estates at RAF Machrihanish for their support in facilitating the day," said Mr Lang.

Campbeltown Airport is located at RAF Machrihanish on the Kintyre peninsula, three miles from Campbeltown. Full parking facilities will be signposted from the B843 road on Saturday 16 August and visitor entry will start at 10am. Flying displays are scheduled to start at 2pm.

Entry to the Vintage Flying Day costs £4 for adults, £2 for children and car parking will be charged at £3.

For further information contact Campbeltown Airport on 01586 553797.

ENDS