The sunny weather has seen the Arran Brewery’s new helipad in action for the first time, with the first visitors for a brewery tour arriving by helicopter.

The brewery has planning permission to build a terminal on the site of their heliport, in the south of the island of Arran, above Kildonan.

Managing director, Gerald Michaluk, a helicopter pilot himself, said: “It is great to see our first visitors arriving by helicopter. We are hopeful more will follow when it is known we have the facility available.

“With the new distillery opening in the south of the island, this will be an ideal facility for visitors to both the brewery and distillery. We plan to begin groundworks on the new terminal this summer.”

 

Sightseeing tours

 

Asked if this was a prelude to a regular helicopter service between Arran and the mainland, Gerald replied: “We have no plans in this regards, but will be offering sightseeing tours through our sister company HJS helicopters at some point in the future.

“The regulations regarding flying helicopters over water are quite restricting, if affordable helicopters are to be used, but never say never.”

The Arran Brewery is allowing free landings with prior notification, and fuel will be available on site after the terminal is complete. It will consist of a passenger lounge and crew room, as well as offering a Radio Service for arrivals and departures.

Those wishing to use the heliport should contact the brewery on 01770 302353 prior to arrival.