THE top man in charge of Ayr's returning air show has made a visit to to the festival site.

South Ayrshire councillors and officers welcomed the new air show’s flying display director (FDD), Group Captain Les Garside-Beattie (Rtd.) OBE to Ayr this week.

Mr Garside-Beattie made his initial visit to the area in advance of developing the site plan for this year’s big event - to be known as the International Ayr Show: Festival of Flight.

Mr Garside-Beattie, who has more than four decades’ experience in the aerospace and defence industries, met key contacts from Prestwick Airport, the Ayrshire Roads Alliance, the council’s cabinet, and officers from the event’s Silver Group during his three-day visit.

Get unlimited access to the Ayr Advertiser's online content: https://www.ayradvertiser.com/subscribe

Preparations are now well under way for the event, which it's hoped will see large crowds gather on the seafront on September 8, 9 and 10.

As FDD, Mr Garside-Beattie will work closely with council officials and air show partners to bring a range of safe, creative and impressive flight displays to the event.

Mr Garside-Beattie, said: “This visit to Ayr was an important one to allow me to see the air show venue and understand the challenges ahead in greater detail.

"It marks, for me, a step change in my activity towards the delivery of a safe and successful event.

"It was a fantastic opportunity to meet a significant number of the key personalities face-to-face, and for us to be able to bring the necessary impetus to our collaborative activities. 

"I am truly excited about the air show, and I can’t wait to deliver an amazing event.”

Councillor Alec Clark, South Ayrshire Council’s portfolio holder for tourism, culture and rural affairs, said: “It was great to be able to meet with Mr Garside-Beattie during his recent site visit. 

"The Flying Display Director is pivotal to the success of any air show. We know we’re in safe hands and on track to deliver a spectacular event with Les at the helm.”

Read More: Scottish Grand National: 60 horses entered for Ayr showpiece

Councillor Brian Connolly, the authority's portfolio holder for sport and leisure, added: “The Flying Display Director’s site visit is yet another step towards what’s going to be a cracking family event this September. 

"Mr Garside-Beattie’s vast career experience, coupled with his success as FDD at Farnborough, Jersey and Bahrain air shows, puts us in the best position to put on an unforgettable three-day festival.”

The council's leader, Councillor Martin Dowey, added: “I was delighted to meet Mr Garside-Beattie and talk through his vision and plans for the new air show.

"He really is a true professional and I know he’ll work well with our officers to ensure we deliver an unforgettable event.”