Scottish carrier Loganair yesterday celebrated half a century of serving the Orkney islands.
The inter-isles air service has been operated since 1967 connecting Kirkwall with six outer islands.
It includes a 1.7-mile hop between Westray and Papa Westray, officially recognised by Guinness as the world’s shortest flight.
The eight-passenger Britten-Norman Islander turboprop in its various models has been the aircraft used throughout the last 50 years.
Internal flights to the six outer isles – Eday, North Ronaldsay, Papa Westray, Sanday, Stronsay and Westray – are operated under a public service obligation contract awarded by Orkney Islands Council.
Loganair was awarded a new four-year contract in a competitive tender against opposition from two rivals earlier this
year.
The new contract runs until March 31, 2021, with an option for a further 12-month extension.
Last October saw the millionth passenger carried by the service.
The celebrations saw a gold-coloured Islander flown to Orkney by manufacturers Britten-Norman to specially mark the occasion.
A new airfield terminal building was officially opened at Sanday.