Record crowds turned out to see breathtaking aerial displays at the Scottish International Airshow in South Ayrshire.
The event, which took place on Saturday 1 and Sunday 2 September, attracted more than 160,000 people over the weekend.
With 90,000 people descending on Ayr’s Waterfront on Saturday and 70,000 on Sunday this was the best attended airshow yet, with thousands more estimated to have enjoyed the displays along the South Ayrshire coastline and beyond.
Highlights for this year included intricate formation flying from the Red Arrows, which closed both days.
Other memorable displays came from the thunderous Typhoons, the Catalina flying boat, the Swiss Classic Formation of 1940s transport, the Global Stars aerobatic team, and a jaw dropping aerobatic display from Lauren Wilson’s Pitts Special biplane.
The family event also included a funfair with a giant Ferris Wheel ride; the STEM future technology Pavilion (sponsored by Spirit AeroSystems and UTC Aerospace Systems) promoting careers to young people; vintage vehicles, world food, stalls, and an RAF 100 concert at Ayr Town Hall featuring the Swing Cats and a 20 piece big band.
Councillor Brian McGinley, South Ayrshire Council’s Portfolio Holder for Economic Development, Tourism & Leisure said the event had been a resounding success, "We’re proud to have hosted the Scottish International Airshow for the fifth time, with tens of thousands of people enjoying South Ayrshire at its best, with a fantastic weekend of amazing aerial displays and lots to do for families.
“The airshow has enjoyed unprecedented support thanks to record-breaking Council investment for 2018 and 2020, and it’s great to see the event continue to grow from strength-to-strength against the backdrop of a spectacular coastline.
“With £5 million generated for the local economy last year, we expect similar benefits this year with retailers, restaurants and other businesses reaping the rewards of increased visitor numbers and tourism spend.”
The Airshow was also supported by EventScotland, part of VisitScotland's Events Directorate.
“Paul Bush OBE, VisitScotland’s Director of Events, said, “Scotland is the perfect stage for events and EventScotland is proud to have supported this year’s Scottish International Airshow through our Beacon Fund Programme.
“It’s great to see record crowds headed out to enjoy the thrills of the air displays alongside the entertainment and exhibitions on the ground over the two days, making for a great weekend out for all the family.”
Doug Maclean, a Director of the Scottish International Airshow, added, "We enjoyed a fantastic airshow over the whole weekend, with people turning out in numbers to see our exciting programme.
“The fact that we attracted the Swiss Airforce and the Swiss Classic Formation this year shows the growing appeal of the event across Europe.
“We look forward to continuing to work with our partners to build on our success to date.”