The recent bad weather to hit Scotland led to the closure of many roads and businesses; however Stornoway Airport remained open throughout due to the hard work of the Airport Fire Service.

Stornoway Airport fire service worked tirelessly over the two weeks of winter weather to ensure that the runway remained safe and operational.

They volunteered to attend work at 6am every morning, an hour before they were supposed to start, to clear the runway of snow and ice.

The process involved clearing the runway of snow with a snow blower and plough and then applying a de-icing fluid. Readings are taken with the mu-meter to determine if the runway is safe for aircraft to land.

The airport opened on time every day over the recent batch of bad weather except Friday 27 February when it opened one hour late at 9.00am.

John Hay, HIAL’s Regional Manager West, said: “All of our fire crews deserve a great amount of credit for the good work that they do all year round.”

Paul Clarkson, HIAL’s General Manager Operations said: “Airport Fire Service crews across the region displayed commitment above and beyond the call of duty during the bad weather. Their efforts enabled us to keep airports operational wherever possible despite the severe weather.”

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