Record crowds turned out for the Scottish International Airshow despite the ongoing travel chaos caused at Ayr Station.

More than 105,000 spectators attended over the weekend of September 1 and 2 at Ayr’s Low Green.

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.

Going by these pictures by freelance photographer Alister Firth, it looks like everyone had a blast.

Doug Maclean, a Director of the Scottish International Airshow, told the Advertiser: “For me, the stars of the show were the Swiss Air Force, who were fabulous. The Hornet has absolutely awesome power.

“The Swiss Classic Formation was wonderful. This is a private collection from the 1940s and they had never been in Scotland before. They said they thought it was the friendliest Air Show they’ve ever been to, the reception they got was wonderful.

“The Red Arrows were brilliant. On the Saturday, the sea was like glass. There wasn’t a breath of wind so the smoke from the aircraft hung across the sky like a painting.

“15 hours after the Air Show ended and there’s not one piece of litter on Low Green. I would really like to give my thanks to the people at South Ayrshire Council’s Environmental Service who have done a great job.”

Councillor Brian McGinley, South Ayrshire Council’s Portfolio Holder for Economic Development, Tourism and Leisure, added: “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.

“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 show was also supported by EventScotland, part of VisitScotland’s Events Directorate.

Paul Bush, VisitScotland’s director of events, said: “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.”

Doug McLean.

Airshow wows the crowds with record numbers attending the two day event