What can I say other than what a fantastic start to the Orkney Aviation Festival.  People started arriving earlier than expected with anticipation of what was to come.

The weather held for most of the day with just a small break while a dreich patch passed through allowing the Scillonia Staff to have a well earned cuppa.

There was an excited buzz around the terminal, in particular from Malcolm Parsons who is the OIC North Isles Airfield Superintendent and also has the accolade of being the first person to check in for the first flight.

AS the morning progressed and the wind direction meant using runway 14, Malcolm was bumped not once but twice and ended up on flight 3.  This was not a problem though as he got the prime seat inside the Rapide and enjoyed his flight immensely.

Thanks for the company Malcolm and have a great holiday in Florida.  I was asked not to use the picture by Moya but hey ho, you know me 🙂

After Shona, Laurie and David arrived (Scillonia), it did not take long until things were under way.

This trip was particularly special for Al Richards who is pictured above in picture 5 as not only was he on the first flight, it was also his birthday treat.  We hope it was most enjoyable.

Then it was the end of the first flight and a photo opportunity.  Here is the first group which includes the Jenkins Family from Nairn and Al.

The next pictures are specially for David Tait who works for BP Northair at the Airport.

I have not photographed everyone, however, the next couple are of Richard and Willie Shearer, great supporters of these events and George Stevenson who was the winner of the Living Orkney competition, I am told.

You may have noticed the attire Richard Shearer was wearing very dapper and appropriate.  Outstanding!

The next picture is just one I liked showing the old and the new in the same picture.

And this one just because I liked it.

Believe it or not at this point, I have just lost half an hours work as it did not save the draft. Happy days, or it was when unexpectedly I was invited to join the last flight of the day along with Liz Harcus, Security Manager.  We jumped at the chance and I took a few pics on the way.

The next two give you an idea of the cabin of the aircraft.  You may notice Ian Brown, Curator of the National Museum of flight unsuccessfully trying to hide from my camera 🙂

All too soon the flight was over and it was my turn to be at the other end of the camera with Liz.

The final photo of today is of the Scillonia Team, David, Shona and Laurie who brought this beautiful aircraft to Orkney and were a delight to work with.

There are a few days to go yet but thanks in particular order go to Moya who organised the visit and arranged the flight for Liz and I, the airport fire service who were a great support when we needed them most.  The Loganair inter island team who could not have done more to help in particular Chris Burton who has recently returned to he airport family.

The hidden hero in this is Davie Berston, Airport Manager who kindly sorted out everything quietly in the background and made it all possible, HIAL and all the sponsors

I will get killed for mentioning him but hey ho 🙂  Maybe not killed but the coffees will be on me tomorrow.

Thanks for taking the time to visit

All the best

Neil 😉