After a trip to Eire I thought that it might now really be the time to start the FOTM to Scotland.

It's been a year since I was there and it would be nice to go again anyways so I decided to take a morning flight out of EDFH, just an hour away from where I live up to Prestwick.

FR79 left Frankfurt n a rather uncomfortable morning and it was to assume that the weather in Scotland would be as bad as here, maybe even worse. As it was to be expected, the flight on the 737-800 was nice and smooth and we arrived in Glasgow a few minutes ahead of schedule, something the captain did not forget to mention upon touching down.

From Prestwick I decided to "fly in style" to Cumbernauld on the Bell Jet Ranger and to be honest, I was happy when I arrived there - I don't really like flying those whirlybirds too much. While writing that I have to make a mental note to get the chopper repaired and next time to take a Cessna or call for an air taxi.

I had to give the FOTM a lot of thinking because I was really unsure what plane I could use. I finally remembered that from my days in Canada I still had an old Convair 580 someplace and a few days before I took the plane up to Scotland arranged for her to be taken there.

I really liked the CV-580 when I first saw her in Montreal flying for Nolinor and so I got myself one in matching colors.

For the short hop over to Oban I decided to drain the tanks until they were almost empty - no sense hauling along so much dead weight, especially when the runways are rather short.

There wasn't a lot to see on the flight, a number of planes passed overhead heading for Glasgow but due to the clouds I was left to stare at the instruments in front of me.

The approach was nice, but I couldn't get her down fast enough so I had to go around and firmly set her on the runway after the second try. I decided to walk over to the Hilton for some hot chocolate and was back at the

Convair in no time. Upon departing I was wondering how in the world anyone could build a Hilton there and kept on thinking about it until it was time to direct my attention, and the plane to a landing at Tiree.

The promise of a nice scenic view was indeed fulfilled but I was really glad that the heating aboard worked flawlessly since it was rather cold outside.

On the final approach into Tiree I had a great view over the sea and was really happy that it stopped to rain.

After landing I crossed over to the hangar to shut down and then went for the promised cup of tea - Earl Grey with milk.....I could stay here for ever and it must be great to spend a stormy winter night over here.

After the tea and a nice talk with a few locals I was on the way up north again.

The journey to the Isle of Skye was rather uneventful - apart from the thunderstorms I encountered along the way. Since I had some things to do back in Frankfurt I decided not to stay overnight but be on my way again. Oh well, who could say anything against a nice shower, after that landing I could need one ;-)

As I departed for EGPL I realized that I was getting a little sleepy, the noise of those two Allison engines is demanding its toll - Unst is still a long way to go....I will decide upon landing.

Not much to see on the way.....a lot of clouds and it was rainy again, doesn't really help to keep me up...I shall at least have some more tea when I am down.

After the landing and the well deserved cup of tea I met a guy from the Royal Navy and courtesy of a training unit I got a ride on a Sea Harrier and this swept away any thoughts of sleep.

Take off was impressive....way better than the Bell from earlier today. Hmm...come to think of it, hope taking the Harrier isn't considered cheating ;-)

Well, a vertical landing is a challenge as it turned out...try to see for yourself when you have time....

The journey home was faster, I took the Harrier back southwards to Sumbourgh where my 734 was waiting to pick me up and fly me back to EDDF after an exciting day.