A new calendar, which commemorates the rich history of aviation in the Highlands and Islands, goes on sale this week and will be available from each of the 10 airports managed by HIAL.

The 2004 Fresson Trust calendar commemorates the life and work of Captain Ernest Edmund Fresson OBE, the pioneer of flight in the North of Scotland.

The calendar is made up of stunning images taken from original oil paintings by leading aviation artist Edmund Miller and costs £4 if bought directly from the airports. The calendar can also be ordered by post for £5, including postage and packing, from HIAL’s head office.

Images featured in the 2004 calendar portray the first planes to operate in the Highlands and Islands and are set against scenic locations in the region.

The Fresson Trust was set up to honour Capt. Fresson, who pioneered aviation in the Highlands and Islands of Scotland with the formation of Highland Airways Ltd in 1933. Capt. Fresson’s vision and determination saw the airline establish commercial and mail flights to and from Orkney, Wick, Shetland, Inverness, Aberdeen, Perth and Glasgow. Another first attributed to Capt. Fresson was the tarmac runway at Stornoway, which is acknowledged as the first of its kind in Great Britain.

Profits from the sale of the calendar will allow the Fresson Trust to continue furthering knowledge of aviation throughout the Highlands and Islands, including providing financial assistance to persons aspiring to careers in aviation, particularly prospective pilots, engineers and air traffic controllers. The trust also organises events to commemorate anniversaries of Capt. Fresson’s significant achievements in the field of aviation.

Bob Macleod, Managing Director of HIAL and Trustee of the Fresson Trust, said: "Captain Fresson was a visionary who led the way in connecting the islands with the mainland by establishing air links. His dedication and skilled flying paved the way for aviation as the main mode of transport to the remoter parts of Scotland. We at HIAL are extremely proud to be involved in the Fresson Trust and actively support its continuing work in the field of aviation."

Copies of the calendar can be bought for £4 from any of HIAL’s 10 airports or ordered by writing to Highlands and Islands Airports Limited, Inverness Airport, Inverness IV2 7JB. Cheques for £5 should be made payable to Highlands and Islands Airports Limited.

ENDS