Barra Airport’s famous beach landing strip played host to light
aircraft from across the UK at the weekend during the island’s 2004
Fly-in.
The event, organised by a local committee in conjunction with
HIAL, expected to see 15 aircraft fly into the island’s Traigh Mhor landing
strip on Saturday – the only beach runway in Europe to support scheduled air
services. However, due to poor flying conditions on the mainland only four
private planes arrived at the airport. The first Barra Fly-in, held in 2002,
attracted 16 light aircraft.
Private pilots from locations including Stornoway, Dingwall,
Perthshire, Edinburgh, Cardiff and London had accepted the committee’s
invitation to fly into the southernmost of the Outer Hebridean islands for the
weekend.
During their stay on the island the pilots had the opportunity
to enjoy a ceilidh on Saturday night with the Vatersay Boys while Sunday’s
itinerary included boat trips, cockle picking and a visit to Kisimul
Castle.
The airport’s usual traffic consists of scheduled passenger
services operated by Loganair to Glasgow and Benbecula and air ambulance
flights.
Diane Worthington, chairwoman of the Fly-in Committee said:
“Although poor weather on the mainland meant that many of the aircraft were
unable to reach us, those who did had a great weekend. We will certainly hope to
stage the event again next year and hope that many more pilots will take the
opportunity to visit the island.”
Roy Cartledge, Regional Manager South for HIAL said: “There are
no private aircraft based at Barra Airport but the airport is unique in the UK
and is quite a draw for private flyers. We’re delighted to have been able to
support this year’s fly-in and look forward to working with the local committee
on next year’s event.
“General aviation traffic is something we are keen to develop in
the southern region at Barra, Campbeltown, Islay and Tiree. Last year’s fly-in
at Campbeltown was very successful and we will shortly be embarking on a
promotional campaign to flying clubs across the UK and Europe.
“Tourism is important to the local communities and we certainly
welcome those visitors who choose to arrive in their own aircraft. We hope to
increase the amount of general aviation traffic in the southern region over the
summer months this year,” said Mr Cartledge.
ENDS
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