CHRISTMAS came early this year for Scotland’s biggest outdoor event, after it was announced that a £200,000 funding package had been agreed for the 2017 Scottish International Airshow.

This gives the green light for planning to get underway for the event, which takes place in Ayr on Saturday and Sunday, September 2 and 3.

Councillor Bill McIntosh, Leader of South Ayrshire Council, said: “The Scottish International Airshow has grown from strength to strength over the last three years and has proven to be a tremendous success, with people coming from far and wide.

“As well as providing a fun and thrilling programme for all the family, it delivers some very real benefits for our people, businesses and communities, with this year’s event bringing in some £5 million for the local economy.”

Doug Maclean, Director of the Scottish International Airshow, said: “The Airshow company has invested a huge amount of money and time developing Scotland’s biggest outdoor event and we have been very happy to be in South Ayrshire. 

“This simply couldn’t happen without the support of sponsors like the Council. 

“With the 2017 funding confirmed, we will now work with our private sector sponsors and partners to design next year’s Airshow. 

“This will be the 50th anniversary of the Scottish International Airshow and we aim to make it a birthday to remember. “

“We’ve got lots of exciting ideas on how to do that, so watch this space and keep an eye out for some great Airshow news over the coming weeks and months.”

The Scottish International Airshow will take place in Ayr on Saturday, September 2 & 3 2017.