Unusual for me to post twice in the same day but due to the circumstances, very necessary.  Tomorrow sees the retiral of Captain Stuart Linklater who is the senior pilot for the Loganair Inter Island Service.

The facts and figures are astonishing.

1.3 million miles

Up to 50,000 landings

10000 hours flying

25 years service, 20 as Senior pilot.

These achievements could not go past unnoticed and as he landed this morning a guard of honour was waiting for him.

Many members of staff, friends and public were waiting in the terminal building for his arrival.  The new Senior pilot, Orcadian Dave Miller, said a few appropriate words followed by an impromptu speech by Stuart.

Refreshments had been arranged by Station Manager, Jackie Delaney which everyone tucked into after Stuart opened a number of gifts from the Staff at Kirkwall Airport.

The picture, taken in North Ronaldsay,  was taken by Premysl Fojtu who works for the Inter Island service and the cake says it all.

Not forgetting the other member of the team, his wife Hilda who was presented with a gift of flowers.

So that’s it for Kirkwall but Stuart is not the type of person to take things easy in retirement, therefore, 3 days after retirement, he will be joining the rota to fly Twin Otters for Loganair between Glasgow and Barra.

On top of everything else Stuart is a genuine nice person and will be sadly missed at Kirkwall.  I and everyone else wish him every success in his new role and we look forward to seeing him pass through the terminal.

As always thanks for taking the time to read.

All the best

Neil 😉