On Friday (23 March) I set off on another visit to the Scottish islands – my first of 2018.
Ready!
This time the destination was Steòrnabhagh (Stornoway) on Leòdhas (Lewis). I had the choice between driving and taking a ferry, or flying and renting a car. The drive/ferry option would take about 7 hours, so for a 2 night trip it just isn’t sensible. I don’t remember how the relative costs work out, to be honest.
Loganair flies from Edinburgh to Steòrnabhagh, so that helps. It’s a 75 minute journey according to the timetable. My flight was great. We left a little early and arrived 20 minutes early. They were using a Saab 340 turboprop for the service.
Loganair
Loganair used to be a well known name in these parts, but for many years they operated Scottish flights as a British Airways franchise. Then they switched to FlyBe. Last year they decided to go it alone again, and revived the brand.
Stornoway Airport
Using small airports like Steòrnabhagh is a breath of fresh air. By the time I’d got into the terminal and used the toilet, the bags were there to collect.
Car rental took no more than 5 minutes to deal with, and the car was less than 100m from the terminal. The town is a 5 minute drive away.
I’m not here to see Steòrnabhagh. I was here twice before, on day trips for work. I just want to see the rest of the island.
ⓒ iain taylor, 2018