Orkney islands Bid Farewell to Veteran Pilot After Two Decades of Service
After more than 40,000 journeys and 9,000 hours in the air, pilot Colin has completed his final flight for Loganair, connecting the Orkney Islands. His retirement marks the end of an era for the communities reliant on the world’s shortest scheduled passenger flight-a 1.7-mile hop between Westray and Papa Westray-and highlights the increasing demand on vital inter-island transport links.
For twenty years,Colin has been a familiar face to islanders and tourists alike,piloting the small Islander aircraft that serves as a lifeline for orkney. The routes are popular with aviation enthusiasts eager to experience the unique flight, and the service is crucial for maintaining connectivity in the archipelago. As Colin transitions into retirement, the future of these essential services remains a key concern for those who depend on them.
Colin’s career took an unexpected turn last year when he found himself transporting the cast of The Outrun around Orkney, including actress Saoirse Ronan. This chance encounter led to a cameo role for Colin in the film, a surprise he discovered only after the final cut was released.”I was shocked to discover made the final cut,” he recounted in an interview with The Sunday Post.
However, the majority of Colin’s passengers have been the residents of the islands, whom he has come to no well over the years. He emphasizes the importance of both air and ferry services in keeping these communities connected, acknowledging that both are currently facing increased pressure from demand.Looking back on his career, Colin expressed a mix of emotions, ultimately feeling grateful for the opportunity to retire from a job he loved. “I’m happy I’ve got here, happy I got to retire,” he said. “Not everyone gets a chance to retire from a job they enjoy.”
He anticipates a bittersweet farewell to the aircraft, envisioning himself at the airport bar, “with a glass in my hand and a grin on my face… until the airport closes.”
