SCOTLAND’S largest air party will grace the South Ayrshire skies this weekend as the Scottish International Airshow is back for a fourth year.

Some 160,000 spectators are expected to attend over Saturday, September 2 and Sunday, September 3 making this the biggest crowd to date.

Doug Maclean, event Manager, said: “I think we would smash our own target and could reach 160,000 spectators over the two days.

“That would be just phenomenal. It will be a bit of an experiment having the event on the Low Green over the two days.

After the close of the Leuchars Airshow in 2013, Danny Anderson and Doug Maclean decided to bring the Scottish public a new airshow, based in Ayrshire. 

The first show, in 2014, attracted 60,000 spectators. In 2015, the show grew to 120,000 spectators, who were treated to the Avro Vulcan bomber, as it thundered over the crowd for one of the last times before it was retired.

Last year, the show had an exciting first for Scotland. In addition to a full day of flying on Saturday, the Airshow was proud to present a Friday night flying display by Aerosparx, whose LED covered planes sparkle in the night sky. 

Highlights on Saturday the RAF Typhoon fighter, the Battle of Britain memorial flight – Lancaster Spitfire Hurricane and the RAF Falcons parachute team and many others. 

Highlights on the Sunday include the spectacular Red Arrows aerobatic team.

Doug continued: “This has been a period of intense work and there are still a few things to put in place. We have got a tough week to get through and will start building on the Low Green on Monday.

“We are really excited to get the American Airforce to join us. That is a first for us. Strangely enough there are three at Prestwick Airport at the moment.

“I think the public will enjoy being able to see them. We will also have three metre high Kelpies, like the ones in Falkirk. I imagine a lot of people will take selfies with them.

“Our guest of honour is Steven Brown who will officially open the Airshow on Saturday at 1pm on the Low Green. There will be signings as well. 

“We are concerned about the Battle of Britain memorial flight which has been grounded. 

“We have been trying to get this plane for four years but if we are unable to secure it we will get something else.”

Doug and the team will be speaking to South Ayrshire Council next week about securing the Airshow for the next three years.

They are already planning next year’s event and are hoping to attract a foreign air force who have not attended before.