Airport History

An island airport with a place in history

Located on the island of Benbecula in the Outer Hebrides off the west coast of Scotland, Benbecula Airport provides some jaw-dropping coastal views for anyone arriving by plane. Approximately seven miles long in each direction, the island has a proud Gaelic heritage and is managed in perpetuity by a community-owned organisation, Stòras Uibhist following a community buy-out in 2006.

Benbecula is noted in history as the island where Bonnie Prince Charlie was forced to land when he was caught in a storm trying to flee the country following the Battle of Culloden. Disguised as an Irish spinning maid, Betty Burke, the prince was smuggled over the sea to Skye and the journey is evoked in the 19th century lyrics of the Skye Boat Song.

Initially, Scottish Airways serviced the Outer Hebrides using available stretches of grassland before establishing a landing ground at Balivanich Airfield in 1936.

From 1940, the airfield saw an influx of RAF personnel and aircraft, developing facilities onsite to accommodate what became thousands of troops stationed there and at several other sites around the islands at its peak. In 1941, what was now known as RAF Benbecula became an official flying base alongside RAF Stornoway on the neighbouring island.

During the Second World War, the airfield operated under the command of the Royal Air Force’s No 15 (GR) Group, Coastal Command. At this time, its role was defensive, protecting Allied convoys from German U-boat and aerial attacks with aircraft concentrating on patrols out into the North Atlantic using the B-17 Flying Fortress and later the Vickers Wellington. The contribution of the crews based at both Benbecula and Stornoway were recognised as making a significant contribution to the war effort and eventual victory.

From the late 1950’s, the airfield served as the range headquarters for what is now known as the Hebrides Range, where the first guided nuclear weapons for Britain and America were tested. The range has also been used to test high altitude meteorological research rockets. Now operated by defence contractor QinetiQ for clients including the Ministry of Defence and BAE Systems, it is described as the largest air and sea range in the UK.

The events around the opening of the missile range inspired the book Rockets Galore, published in 1957 by author Compton Mackenzie, who was otherwise known as Sir Edward Montague Compton Mackenzie. A sequel to his previous literary success, Whisky Galore, it became a successful film starring Jeannie Carson, Donald Sinden and Roland Culver.

Today the airport plays a significant role for the local community, supporting not only military activity, but also vital emergency services out of hours. Scheduled services to Glasgow on the Scottish mainland and a Public Service Obligation (PSO) contract for flights to Stornoway. The Airport attracts up to 30,000 passengers each year. Benbecula airport’s military connections continue today supporting exercises with the movement of troops and weaponry as well as acting as a base for a mobile radar unit.

Earlier this year, trials of the Technam P2012 Traveller, as a potential new aircraft for the Benbecula to Stornoway route were carried out by Hebridean Air Services and the Western Isles Council - Comhairle nan Eilean Siar. The trial also included an assessment landing on the beach at Barra.  

The airport café, Ceilidh Cidsin, whose name reflects the fusion between local and international food cultures, was taken over by local entrepreneurs, Roddy and Lorna MacKay in September 2024. It has proven to be a popular spot for passengers and locals alike with its vibrant menu and friendly atmosphere. 

The coastal location of Benbecula airport is a key attraction for many visitors but also leaves it vulnerable to the impact of the extreme weather it can sometimes experience. Over the last 20 years HIAL have invested in several coastal protection projects along the western boundary of the airfield. These have helped to restore the coastline after storm damage and protect it for future years with additional materials along with the landscaping and the landscaping and replanting of dune areas.

Whatever the weather throws at it, Benbecula stands proud of its place in history and for the future to come.