The organisers of The Heart of Scotland Airshow have said “the show will go on” despite the announcement yesterday that The Red Arrows have been forced to pull out of the event.
A terrifying mid-air collision during a training exercise in Crete has left the Royal Air Force’s aerobatic team behind in its preparations for the coming season, leading to their decision to withdraw.
They were to have been among the top performers at the annual Perth Airport extravaganza, which is expected to attract more than 6000 spectators over the weekend of June 5 and 6.
Despite their absence, the show will see aircraft from over 100 years of British aviation history take to the skies and the ever-popular RAF Typhoons will return for a stunning display.
Event organiser Gill Howie, from Arbroath’s Squadron Prints said, “Obviously this is a blow to the event but the Red Arrows need to continue training – they are the pride of Britain and thrill millions of people all over the world with their stunning displays.
“Naturally, as a fan myself, I was bitterly disappointed but the air show will go ahead as there are many other exciting flying events including the RAF Typhoon, which will soon be based at RAF Leuchars.
“It will still be a great show and a fine tribute to Scotland’s aviation pioneers.”
Among the aircraft on show will be a Supermarine Spitfire, Hawker Hurricane, Pitts S1 and an RAF Tornado.
There will also be a visit from Scotland’s Yak-52 display team and the Caledonian Chipmunks, together with a Bell UH-1H “Huey” which served in the Vietnam conflict.
On the ground, Scotland’s BMX bike team “The CLAN” will entertain while the armed forces will provide ground displays and interact with the crowd. Should anyone have purchased tickets purely to see the Red Arrows, they should contact the organisers through the website, www.perthairshow.co.uk, if they wish a refund.
The Red Arrows will, however, be seen in the skies over Scotland on the September 11 at the RAF Leuchars Airshow.