South Ayrshire Council has stepped in to help in the staging of three activities aimed at promoting the celebration of 70 years of aviation history linked with Prestwick.

The move follows a request by the Prestwick Branch of the Royal Aeronautical Society to the Council’s Policy and Resources Committee for support for three events which they are planning:

The staging of a display of more than 50 photographs to be on show at Prestwick Airport.

A display of more than 50 photographs linked with the activities of Scottish Aviation and its successor companies which are expected to be shown at a suitable location in Prestwick.

Support for a special weekend of activity on June 25 and 26 when a Twin Pioneer aircraft produced by Scottish Aviation will return to Prestwick Airport from its Coventry base to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the first flight of this aircraft model type.

Said Councillor Andy Hill, Leader of South Ayrshire Council and Convener of the Policy and Resources Committee: “We have agreed funding support from the Prestwick Common Good Fund of up to £2,250 for these events.

“We are delighted to underwrite the events to this amount with the actual amount being subject to the submission of detailed costs and expenditure.

“South Ayrshire as a whole can be proud of the history of local aviation which has centred on Prestwick for the past 70 years. The airport and aviation development have played crucial factors in the successful development of this area, and at this significant anniversary time it is wholly appropriate that we support the Royal Aeronautical Society in their activity.”

April 2005