The wee Scottish airline with only one aircraft! Flying Oban to Coll with Hebridean Air Services.

I must admit until I saw a recent Tom Scott video featuring Hebridean Air Services, I didn't even know about this awesome little airline. But once I did, I just had to book a seat on their bright yellow Britten-Norman BN-2B-26 Islander!
They fly scheduled services out of Oban to the islands of Coll, Islay, Colonsay and Tiree, as well offering sightseeing and charter flights. There is a little hack to get the return flight straight back again like I do in the video. If you'd like to know how, just give me a shout :) They are a great airline to deal with by the way - they even offered me use of the GoPro mount on the planes dashboard (but alas I turned up with the wrong mount)
I took a Friday afternoon scholar flight on Friday 25th June 2021 with 15 minutes on Coll before flying back to Oban. The return flight cost me a grand total of £69.17 and was booked only a couple of weeks in advance. Flight time was under 30 minutes each way. We dropped the school pupils off on the island and then headed back to the mainland.
Hi, I’m Steve. I am a travel reviewer and post my trip reports here on KZbin. I pay for my own travel and produce my own videos. If you have any questions about my journeys or travel advice in general, please drop me a comment - I do my best to respond to every single one. I’d also love to hear any recommendations you may have for future content, or why not challenge me to try something a little out of the ordinary! If you are looking to collaborate on any type of project, I’d love to hear from you - email me your ideas and hopefully we can work together in the future.
Donate here to future videos: (thank you!)
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/ stevemarsh
Music courtesy of epidemicsound.com

[@steve-marsh]

A nice little update for anyone thinking about doing this flight - the screen has been removed and row 1 RHS is now available to book for passengers! That's right, you can sit right up front next to the pilot as a regular passenger. Of course I intend to do this, but will you beat me to it??? :)

[@Drawyah]

Thanks for the heads up! Booked a trip up to Oban especially for this later this week having watched your video, going to make stops in Islay and Colonsay!

[@simtherapy9533]

I guess I can beat you to it virtually on Microsoft Flight Simulator 😂

[@aidanmochan306]

Thats awesome, Oban may become the first Scottish Island I've visited only lived in Glasgow all my life... Have you still got the Orkneys flight planned, Westray to Papa Westray? Looking forward to seeing that one.

[@Drawyah]

@@aidanmochan306 Culture shock, Oban is not an island. It's on the Scottish mainland and only a 3-hour direct train journey away from Glasgow. 😅

[@aidanmochan306]

@@Drawyah Ohh my bad, nevertheless I've never been lol. Drove up to Inveraray last summer for a wee day trip, Oban doesn't look much further. Beautiful part of the country for being an hour or so from a major City.

[@harrothepilot]

Lovely old BN2 Islander. 2 x 260HP Lycoming flat sixes and reliable as a swiss watch. Beautiful views to boot.

[@seanworkman431]

When you say flat 6 are they horizontally opposed or just dry sump on their side?

[@sw653j]

@@seanworkman431 Horizontally opposed, wet sumps...

[@harrothepilot]

@@seanworkman431 Horizontally opposed, three cylinders per side. Dry sump also with scavenge pumps.

[@ronstar7027]

My Rolex has failed three times in the past thirty years.

[@sw653j]

@@harrothepilot (dry sumps) You may wanna check on that...

[@peterw4338]

Reminds me of travelling from Manchester to Bournemouth via Cardiff on a small passenger-aircraft with no toilet. The previous week the aircraft had to make a diversion because a lady passenger was desperate to have a wee. Six of us decided to go to the bar before the flight. During the flight I needed to go... I held on in desperation. On landing at Cardiff it seemed that all the passengers evacuated the aircraft in a hurry; without being asked the ground staff pointed and said "that way, it happens on every flight".

[@Abdiyaretube]

😂😂😂😂

[@FlynBrian]

As a former air-freight pilot, this is exactly the kind of flying I once did to earn a living! Instead of passengers, I had an airplane filled with boxes and bags crammed in behind me. Great video without a doubt!

[@steve-marsh]

Wow that sounds amazing! What a great career!

[@bullwinklejmoos]

I’m with you. Flew boxes and bags way back when before I made it to the big birds.

[@huskym6]

I remember contracting for Loganair in the nineties on Orkney doing major maintenance to the Islanders to keep them serviceable. That aircraft is SUCH an amazing and versatile one, at night it was an air ambulance, in the morning we refitted it to become a normal passenger aircraft, thank you for posting this Steve, it brought back some seriously precious memories, I subscribed, and look forward to seeing more

[@steve-marsh]

Thanks so much and welcome aboard! Thanks for the support and delighted to be able to bring back some memories. And thanks for your work on the islands!

[@bigglestheflyboy]

I've flown into Oban in my own Piper Arrow III, having previously made the beach landing at Barra. The fantastic guys from the airport fire brigade, brought their fire truck over and hosed the plane down for me to remove the salt from the beach landing. A great bunch of guys and a lovely airport. I can definitely recommend a visit to any other pilots that are flying around Scotland. Great video Steve!!

[@steve-marsh]

They are the best at that airport! :)

[@reggriffiths5769]

I'm a long-time F-simmer (30+ years) and I often get bored with real flights produced by some folk that seem to enjoy promoting their degree of knowledge instead of the delights of the flight and scenery. Yes. it's nice to get a little useful info' on the aircraft. performance etc, but I also want to enjoy the flight experience. Now, at last, someone who's given a most enjoyable no-nonsense commentary on a short flight, just sharing his pleasure. Some nice, clear photography, gorgeous views of the isles, one nice t/o, two tidy landings, and a little look around before, during and after the flights. I really enjoyed this video and would love to see some more. Many thanks for posting. It's a thumbs-up from me. Funny thing is, I did that selfsame flight two days ago in a Cessna (using MSFS2020), and tonight have just discovered this video!

[@steve-marsh]

Thanks so much for the awesome feedback Reg! :)

[@KumidazAviator]

Great to watch. Thanks. I used to fly Islanders in The Solomon Islands. Bought back memories. We use to say.... 60 Decibels....90 Decibels....120 Decibels, Rotate! lol Also, if an engine failed, the pilot would put his hands on each window to his left and right. Whichever window wasn't vibrating was the failed engine! LOL Cheers.

[@steve-marsh]

Love it! I actually have a sucker mount for the camera, but didn't use it as I was anticipating a lot of vibration!

[@Michael-yx5ey]

The Islander is a solid workhorse and can be found flying all over the world. My flight from Manchester to Heathrow in a Islander put me on the path to getting my pilots licence. Thank you for sharing the video clip, its so nice to see an Islander in mint condition. Stay safe and healthy. Mike.

[@steve-marsh]

Cheers for that Mike!

[@richarddavis2107]

Thank you came across this, I have neber been to Coll but your flight ovrr Mull btought back memories of my childhood spending time with the Carmichael family and the daily mail/bus service between Tobermoray & Salen. Over 50 years ago.

[@jongurr3805]

Steve, how fantastic, what a great journey, thank you.

[@steve-marsh]

Cheers Jon! :)

[@AlasdairMacCaluim]

I went from Colonsay to Oban on this wee plane yesterday - inspired by your video!

[@steve-marsh]

No way! Humbled that you took inspiration from one of my videos! Question - are they letting passengers take the front seat next to the pilot yet?

[@AlasdairMacCaluim]

@@steve-marsh There was nobody sitting next to the pilot on my flight - he had his maps and paperwork on the seat. But maybe the seat would have been used if the plane was fuller? (There were 5 people on board so there was maybe room for more) Or if someone had asked? It was a great flight. Amazing views of Jura, Kerrera and the Slate Islands with not a single cloud in the sky. Colonsay airport is very similar to Coll airport which you visited - same design probably - and the fire officer arrived on her bike to open up the airport before she did her check on the runway!

[@duncancallum]

Well Steve we Scots certainly have been blessed with such a beautiful Country .

[@steve-marsh]

Well said Duncan! So true

[@jimmymorrison8314]

I've never flown in a lighter aircraft, now it's on my bucket list. Cheers Steve.

[@broadsword6650]

A special view of a great part of the world. Reminds me of the last time I was in Mull and witnessed a golden eagle trying (and failing) to snatch a very small lamb from a field. Momma sheep wasn’t having it!

[@carpenjatp]

Touring Scotland years ago, by car, 2008, as a pro pilot from US I was intrigued by Oban airport, stopped there to chat with the agent a bit, didn't go on a flight, though. Beautiful country, great stuff, Thank you!

[@steve-marsh]

Great to hear from you!

[@TRPGpilot]

Fantastic! Just like flying back in the Caribbean.

[@ernestbradley4547]

Fantastic and way cool!! I have about 7000+ hours between the BN-2A DEFENDER AND BN-2B ISLANDER when I was a career pilot here in Belize 🇧🇿 Love the Islander!!!

[@steve-marsh]

Amazing to hear from a pilot! Thanks so much for the message :)

[@williamsimmons152]

Love the sound of those sync’d engines.

[@steve-marsh]

Me too William! :)

[@RohanTheBT]

That brought back a few memories! Firstly of a caravan holiday in 1968 in the highlands towing a caravan when neither the Connel or Ballachuilish bridges existed, so it was take the wee ferry or drive round the lochs on tiny, rough, single track roads. More recently I stayed in the campsite at North Ledaig at the end of that runway. Then lastly a holiday on Mull and walking my dog, Rohan, around Loch Frisa and on Calgary beach. White tailed eagles circled over us at Loch Frisa eyeing up Rohan as a tasty snack! Thank you Steve

[@jameslord156]

Brings back the memories of my 2 months in Thurso in 1984. Shorts 330 Aberdeen to Wick.

[@vivellasmum]

That was a lovely trip Steve thank you. Another one maybe for the bucket list, I so want to go Scottish Island hopping!

[@jackharrison6771]

"Thanks Steve, this is a little gem. Great views.

[@steve-marsh]

Cheers Jack!

[@vladekcirin6080]

Thoroughly enjoyed this lovely film. It brought back many memories of when I used to work for Britten Norman on the Isle of Wight in Technical Sales and Flight testing of the Trislander. Passed my PPL multi engine rating that allowed me to fly the Islander as a communications and demo pilot. Such happy days. Left BN in Aug 72 and joined the Royal Navy as a Marine Engineer Officer specialising in submarines - both diesel and nuclear powered. But that is another story. When I was serving in my first boat, we were anchored off Kirkwall when we were overflown by a Loganair Islander - which I had sold to the company. What a small world. Keep up your wonderful work.

[@steve-marsh]

Thanks so much for the wonderful message! What a career!

[@Fartsmucker1]

Do you remember Hugh Kendal who worked for BN ( I think as a ferry pilot )? He owned a small airstrip near Yarmouth and would fly to work at Bembridge. It must have taken him longer to do the pre flight tests than drive his car.

[@vladekcirin6080]

@@Fartsmucker1 Yes indeed I do. Hugh checked me out on the Islander and also tested me on my multi-engine PPL rating. He used to fly a Pitts Special. I thought he flew from Goodwood. Oh Happy days.

[@ipklondonuk]

That is so cool, thought the terminal was someone's cottage lol, and what a great little plane. Glad you enjoyed your trip

[@steve-marsh]

Haha yes it so does!!!

[@jerrycarr]

Very Nice..I have been to Oban and Mull many times As i worked for fish farming for 27 yrs..had a small aircraft here in Donegal also..So your video brought back many lovely memories..Thanks For sharing..

[@i10gal]

Wow brilliant Steve and spectacular scenery. Loved seeing the beautiful Isle of Mull from the air, especially as I lived on Mull 20 years ago. My favourite of all the Scottish Islands. Thanks for sharing :)

[@steve-marsh]

It really is a wonderful spans Wendy, and not explored enough by me so excited to go back there! :)

[@abrahamdozer6273]

"The proud bird with the cast iron tail" Nice, little operation and a stunning background for it..

[@daviator4720]

Great trip and thanks for the memories... I used to fly for TCNA in the 80's Islanders and their bigger brother the Tri-Islanders in the West Indies. They are reliable aircraft. and easy to fly. Perfect for island hopping !

[@steve-marsh]

Thanks so much for watching my wee video!

[@briggs5534]

well, Captain Dave! i came to say the same thing about TCI's original national airline ... must have flown on those Islanders and the Trilander scores and scores of times. and if Steve thinks that wee airport was small, he's never seen the little shacks on Middle Caicos and Salt Cay! i remember when 1st time tourists got on a 9 seat Islander, they often looked kinda nervous. i used to calm them down by telling them not to worry, 'cos these little planes were designed to float real good! (was not too sure about the Tri, though. that engine in the tail always seemed kinda heavy ) ... ( there is still an Islander flying here, owned by an Ambergris Cay developer. )

[@christinehodge3608]

Just love the views, all the tiny islands, on your way to Oban,

[@suebrown436]

Steve - thank you! All the familiar places I know so well around Oban, and then to see the little airport (instead of just the sign for it, which I have passed so many times) and to go on the flight with you. You filmed it all beautifully.

[@steve-marsh]

Thanks so much Sue! It was a real challenge to film, but an enjoyable challenge:)

[@veng3r663]

Well pickles now I want TO build me a little airport as well. Might have to start off with some kind of helipads and dirigible hangars though...

[@grahamdawson6427]

That's a great wee video. I used to spend a lot of my working life at Oban airport operating as a pilot on scenic flights around the local area. I loved the job and I think that is true of my many colleagues who did the same work. The airport is efficient and very friendly with a big plus of being in a truly beautiful setting. The regular pilot on the G-HEBS and G-HEBO was Julie (with the all season wellies) who, like me had to retire on reaching 60!! Hey ho, many happy days. We also started the first civillian flying school at Oban and a local lad (well from Glencoe actually) holds the accolade of being the first person to achieve his wings at Oban EVER. Happy, happy days indeed. Anyone want to set up a little airline there? I still have ALL of the paperwork for it.

[@steve-marsh]

What a great offer for someone! And cheers for the comment!

[@happyhermit2022]

That was great...loved it. Thank you for a great review of Oban Airport too...its right up there with Gibralter...well thirty years ago anyway 🤗 What a fantastic experience 👍

[@steve-marsh]

Haha I can remember Gib 30 years ago too!

[@TheChrisEMartin]

The airport terminal building reminds me of 'St. Mary's International' on the Isles of Scilly.... about the same size!

[@seanworkman431]

It looks like a school bus and it is. The tidal flow at that bridge had me interested but no narrative. Interesting and I would like to visit Scotland one day if ever I'm allowed out of my home again.

[@georgebeale-pratt3046]

Great video Steve! I remember commenting on a previous video how much I'd like to see your take on this flight, so very pleased to see that come true! Enjoying all your videos!

[@steve-marsh]

Cheers George it was a fantastic idea!!!

[@nsholk]

That’s a top notch video Steve. As a pilot of bigger planes I get a kick out of seeing more visceral flying. The Islander keeps it real. Doesn’t hurt we have a family friend in Connel. Her home overlooks the approach to the runway. Thats not a view I’ll ever tire of. Cheers from the USA.

[@steve-marsh]

You and me both! So great to hear from a pilot :) all the best to you!

[@JBFlytography]

Steve, Another cracking video 👌🏻 would never have thought of this being a way to travel to Coll for some reason, beats 3 hours on a ferry! You're right, another one to add to the list 🤦🏼‍♂️🤣

[@steve-marsh]

Cheers Bryan! It was all new to me too :)

[@VRFlightSimGuy]

What a fantastic flight, thankyou so much for sharing. Next time I'm in Scotland I must visit this airfield and jump aboard myself.

[@steve-marsh]

Well worth it, fantastic wee airport :)

[@blbl8326]

Great wee trip to the island and back! Not something one get to experience daily! So this service is like a commuter service for students

[@steve-marsh]

And those kids take it all in their stride!

[@stewartmackay]

I've been to Coll once on the boat, but I didn't realise it had a... runway!!! Lovely wee island.

[@gaoeykreg]

Scotland and its islands never cease to amaze me! I can’t wait to travel up from England again. Thanks for your videos Steve!

[@steve-marsh]

Cheers George!

[@arthurfirth3366]

It's the little things that make life worthwhile. Put them all together and your adventure grows. Thank you.

[@steve-marsh]

Well said!

[@AZFrank4x4]

As you said "proper flying", no showing ID, no security lines, just get in the plane and enjoy the flight. I loved that the whole apron area was covered in brick pavers at the main airport... stunning.

[@MsGrandunion]

What a brilliant video! My cousin used to be part of the ATC team on Orkney, she's retired now, but she used to tell us some good stories about the weather and the more hair raising landings that she talked down!

[@steve-marsh]

Thanks so much! Oh I'd love to hear her stories :)

[@DaveyPalmer1]

That was so cool Steve. I'll have to check out the Hebridean Air website. Thanks for making my holiday plans so difficult with so many wonderful places to choose from! 😅

[@steve-marsh]

Haha you’re very welcome mate 🤣

[@badmattam]

Excellent vlog. Islanders are tremendous aircraft, a real workhorse...Ford Transits of the sky. All my experience on them has been via sport skydiving, so I've never landed on one despite dozens of rides in one. Can be noisy in the cabin but love the noise....brought back memories. Sailed from Loch Eil to Tobermory, Isle of Mull as an 18 year old back in 1980 as part of an adventure/character building course. Three boats ( twin masted open boats)/ eight crew each. Took us over a week to sail to Mull, having to tack against the wind the entire way. It rained every day and there was no shelter bar what you wore. Ten hrs on the boat a day, ar#e over the side was the toilet!...frozen and wet. Slept in two man tents on the beach/shoreside where ever we ended up that day. No washing facilities, obviously, so we all stank to high heaven! Wretched experience at the time however good to look back on. Didn't appreciate the scenery as I should have then but certainly appreciate it now...in the comfort of my warm home via your wonderful upload. 😊

[@pillypoo1]

This was great ! Really enjoyed it . Thanks for taking us along Steve .

[@steve-marsh]

Cheers for coming Paul!

[@brucerideout9979]

Lovely 🌹 I toured Scotland in 1973. Faded memories siggh I did climb King Arthur's Seat, and recall the extended daylight in the summer evenings. Edinburgh Castle was gorgeous.

[@steve-marsh]

A great view from up there! 1973 - my year of birth!

[@annettepocock8058]

Enjoyed seeing the video, I have added Dunstaffnage Castle to my ever growing list of places to visit when we are allowed from Australia.

[@steve-marsh]

Ha you and me both Annette! But not as far for me to travel :)

[@jgdooley2003]

Ireland have a similar service connecting the three Aran Islands in Galway Bay. Service has been in existance using BN2's identical to this plane since the mid 70's. The 3 Aran Islands also have ferry services to the Mainland. I worked with Islanders who used to commute weekly from the Islands because the islanders got airfares way cheaper than non islanders. A great service.

[@Scottishheart1969]

Jump on a plane…. Fly 50 mile….stay 15 minutes… fly back … 😂🤣 You mad bastard ! 😂 Great stuff Steve !

[@steve-marsh]

Haha cheers Dean 🤣

[@schoolshorts]

I know that area very well from the water but the only flight I ever managed there was one of the very last of Loch Lomond Seaplanes flights from Glasgow to Oban Bay - a truly magical experience. Thoroughly enjoyed your video.

[@steve-marsh]

Would have loved to do that! Cheers Tim!

[@olefella7561]

Good old style flying experience .., thanks Steve!

[@steve-marsh]

Cheers! :)

[@paulkirkpatrick6371]

A nice short hop for you Steve the scenery was stunning in your video I must remember do not travel eastern airways watching in belfast northern ireland

[@TheMcDermottFiles]

We are just back from the west coast, I said to my lass wouldn't it be funny if we bumped into Steve. We tried walking up the the Steall Waterfall yesterday but my lass got a bit worried about the path, so we went back. Then down to Oban were we stayed at Loch Melfort but passed Oban airport and I said I can't believe they have an airport, i thought it might have been for model aircraft enthusiasts

[@claired3764]

I’ve stayed at the Loch Melfort hotel a few times, such a beautiful setting, so peaceful apart from the chickens lol.

[@TheMcDermottFiles]

@@claired3764 yes it's now our go to place in Oban area, although we didn't hear the Chickens

[@steve-marsh]

Haha that would have been awesome to meet you guys! I’m sure it will happen sometime :) never been to Steall, you’ve added more to my list!!!

[@TheMcDermottFiles]

@@steve-marsh also another great one is from the Auch Estate off A82 follow the Allt Kinglass up to Loch Lyon very beautiful and peaceful walk normally takes 2 to 3 hours. There's an old Bothy with sheep pens at the edge of the Loch we used to stay in during the early 90s.

[@steve-marsh]

@@TheMcDermottFiles Cheers (as I write all this down) :)

[@freedomforever6718]

Fabulous flight! Smooth as silk landing at Coll. Great views of grand scenery and competent narration. A fun ride. Thanks.

[@steve-marsh]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks!

[@Qkano]

Interesting - I knew of the flights to Barra (on my bucket list though probably never happen) to land on the beach but this certainly looks worth checking out. I have landed on Coll once (decades ago, diving trip based on Mull) but didn't get to explore.

[@madhungarian3024]

Very nice! Brings back sweet-sorry memories of my early college-year summers in canneries in the Alaska Aleutians, and the bushplane flights thereto. The scenery is somewhat similar too, although the airstrips+terminals+planes here are rather nicer than the Alaska ones i remember!

[@zweispurmopped]

That was goose bumps-inspiring, Mate! And indeed, the wee planes feel best in the air. With them, you really feel flying. I found my first flight in a glider most impressive. It was in an ASK13, an old school glider design. Strapped in with four point harness, you can literally feel the turbulence on the wings in your shoulders. It does feel like having wings! You should see if there's a chance for hitching rides somewhere within reasonable range of Edinburgh.

[@steve-marsh]

What a cracking idea! If you can help with any advice, it’s something I’d be desperate to try!

[@zweispurmopped]

@@steve-marsh As I live near Cologne, I have no clue how British glider flying clubs handle guest rides. Just did a wee web search and found this: www.gliding.co.uk/club-finder/ …I am quite surprised to see that there is a Scottish Gliding Centre, and it's right next to Embra at Portmoak Airfield, Scottlandswell, Kinross! I suggest you ring them up and just ask them how many kidneys you'll have to sell for a wee hop in one of their twin seater gliders. As gliders depend on sunlight for their fuel, the further south you go, the better the conditions for gliders get. As far as I know, the Cotswold Mountains are a bit of a high ground (literally) for glider flying in the UK, so if you yet have a summer holiday to spend and didn't make plans yet, searching for a lift to hitch there might be a good idea. As weather is the make or brake for gliders. that's a bit of a gamble, obviously, but you'd have nice corners to explore with your missus there as well. I bet the folks at Scottish Gliding Centre can tell you much more reliably where to look for in Britain, though!

[@steve-marsh]

@@zweispurmopped Cheers!

[@zweispurmopped]

@@steve-marsh You're welcome! ^^)

[@gordanmilne7034]

Cotswold mountains made me laugh.

[@BoB4jjjjs]

Good just to take a pleasure flight out of there. I did and flew more or less what you did, but we did not go as far a Coll. But was were held up by the Islander, she could not get one of the engines to start, finally we were allowed to land while she let the started cool. No sooner had we landed, the Islander was out and gone. They were at least 20 minutes late that flight, but then over there it does not matter the same, if they don't get there today, they will get there tomorrow! Never thought in taking the Islander flight to Coll and back. Maybe next time after Covid is well and truly gone, I might be in far a long wait. Fantastic scenery over there, you just can't beat it. Or as someone once said "Yeah canna whack it" :-))

[@steve-marsh]

Cheers Bob, thanks so much for the message :)

[@manz1000]

So great to see someone flying a plane.

[@janetmackinnon3411]

Great walk over the bridge.This flight is now top of my bucket-list.

[@steve-marsh]

It’s so cool Janet! And the folks at Hebridean and Oban airport are so friendly!

[@williamwilliam5242]

Oh my god this is just an amazing video. Your channel content is amazing too

[@steve-marsh]

Thank you so much William! Super-appreciated! :)

[@ScottsSynthStuff]

Oban itself is beautiful and worth seeing. We stayed in Oban when visiting Duart on Mull.

[@Truckingabout]

What a absolutely stunning flight and the scenery is amazing thank you Steve for another fantastic video and entertaining my boy kean who's even more excited about our trip to your fair land 😀 kean asks if you could would you sit next to the pilot and help fly the plane 😆

[@steve-marsh]

Kean, I wouldn’t need the pilot, I’d do all the flying myself :)

[@Truckingabout]

@@steve-marsh thanks for the reply Steve kean says that's fine as long as he can be the co-pilot and help you fly the plane 😀

[@steve-marsh]

@@Truckingabout Anytime! :)

[@Truckingabout]

@@steve-marsh kean has just said he wants to send you some money so you can have a coffee next time your at oban airport 😉

[@Cowboy-in-a-Pink-Stetson]

I lived and worked on Coll from January to April 1974 (at Breachacha Castle). The "airport" was in the same place then, a relatively flat field on Alec 'Arileod's' croft. Of course, there was no tarmacked runway then and it was rarely used (mostly by the "Dutchman" who had bought a cottage on the island and was rich enough to charter a plane or chopper to take him there). Alec's son was given the job of driving the sheep into a corner of the field when an aircraft was coming in to land. Health and safety, you understand. It's nice to see the shed is still there and being used as a waiting room/customs office/security check as it was back then. It looks like it might have been spruced up a bit since then, though. Great video. Thanks Steve

[@Cowboy-in-a-Pink-Stetson]

and regarding the "school pupils". I would tip they were 'volunteers' bound for the Project Trust at Ballyhaugh. Also interesting to note that the "Argyll Air Services, Coll Aerodrome" was partly financed by the EU................

[@steve-marsh]

Awesome info, cheers!

[@arronblack67]

Another great video Steve. It’s always great to see bits of our wee country, that I haven’t been to personally. Haven’t been to Oban for many years, after watching this I’ve said to my other half we have to get up there from Glasgow. Thanks again 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@steve-marsh]

Cheers Arron! No a bad wee drive from Glasgow too :)

[@douglasbates389]

Nice one Steve a good little trip out to Coll pity its only 15 minutes on the Island. It was also nice to see Calgary Bay on Mull and also Lochaline. I have been to Mull and have been on Calgary Beach. I look forward to your next adventure.

[@steve-marsh]

Wow I can’t wait to get there! Yeah, I’ve been very rude to Coll - been there twice now and barely an hour spent on the island!

[@douglasbates389]

@@steve-marsh I wish you well for your next attempt at 'The Ben'. I failed first time too. Try the middle of September and start off before 0800. Take plenty of Bananas and Lucozade sport.

[@hanspronk2749]

Great vlog Steve, nice to see a lot of the surroundings. Fine experience.

[@steve-marsh]

Cheers Hans!

[@shirleyboy8859]

An Absolutely Wonderful Video Steve... I miss Flying.... Have flown over the Alps many times but this flight looked just as good... Although all I could think of during the video was Alicja singing "Big Yellow Taxi"..... :-))))

[@steve-marsh]

Aww yes! I wish she had been able to join me for this one, maybe a wee surprise one day :)

[@shirleyboy8859]

@@steve-marsh Talking about your love of Airports, Check out the Live cam at Greenland`s Nuuk Airport small but quite busy.... :-))))

[@steve-marsh]

@@shirleyboy8859 Ohhh I need to go there!!!!

[@shirleyboy8859]

@@steve-marsh In the snow it looked so Beautiful.... Kept the Ploughs busy 24/7. If you look there are some on board videos well worth a look.... And a visit :-)))

[@FrankTaylor74]

I'm always learning parts of Scotland i never knew about!

[@steve-marsh]

Haha me too Frank! :)

[@johnkerr1953]

Hi Steve another trimendous video, what a great view from the small plane , l remember flying to Barra with my sister & what a great view we had from the plane that day, many years ago. But just to let you know that there is a great beech & cafe over on the lsle of Bute , so when you come off the ferry you turn right & follow the road till you see a sign for Ettrick Bay , then Keep on that road till you come to the cafe, - enjoy.

[@philipnagai2075]

Glad I found this channel. Been stuck in Edinburgh for too long. Given me lots of ideas.

[@steve-marsh]

I’m glad Philip! I’ve discovered so much more of Scotland with this wee hobby. All the best!

[@5SpotReview]

Thanks for exploring this route from Oban to Coll. Really enjoyed your video footage 'oot the windae.' Aviation adventure!

[@steve-marsh]

Cheers Kevin!

[@Charlienmeg]

When we're in Scotland and if we get to meet you, I'll have to tell you about our seriously comical flight from Kirkwall to North Ronaldsay 😀 Like you, we liked the fact that you barely get off the ground and the views of the islands as you pass over them are magnificent. Great video as always.

[@steve-marsh]

Oh guys I hope this happens! You’ve got me googling it already :)

[@BlairNZ7881]

I used to get the plane to and from Islay many years ago and occasionally flew on really small planes, like you said, you could almost reach out and touch the hills. One pilot used to fly the ambulance plane on his days off, and of course, they could land these planes on a sixpence cos they were so good.

[@pdtech4524]

Cool flight! Fantastic journey! I was surprised there was no co-pilot though. 😯🤔⚠️

[@steve-marsh]

Yeah me too! I was ready to jump into the hotseat if required!

[@stacase]

@@steve-marsh I sure would have asked, "Hey! Can I ride shotgun?"

[@annasutton8078]

How exciting for the school children. Having lived in hot climes for16 years, it's great to be back in the UK. Scotland is now my place of choice to visit. Its incredibly beautiful, I love it. Thanks for great videos of Scotland.

[@steve-marsh]

Thanks Anna! Oh and I appreciate our climate more and more as I get older!

[@Bonjour-World]

I flew into Aberdeen a long time ago in the middle of July. I was told when I arrived that I had just missed summer. It was the day before :-)

[@Michael-wr1yy]

I love it. Never knew this existed

[@steve-marsh]

Ha me neither until very recently!

[@tsr207]

Marvellous video ! Reminds me of Aurigny Trislander that flew between the Channel Islands for many years. You could sit just behind the pilot and avoid the rainwater dripping in. Best one yet Steve !

[@steve-marsh]

Cheers John! These wee planes are so much fun to fly! :)

[@fp30e]

Great video. I'm surprised there was not 2 pilots on board.

[@SalveMonesvol]

Pilots are expensive.

[@derekjohnson8859]

Hi Steve. thanks for taking me along to Coll. A most enjoyable trip. Spent a lot of time in Oban but did'nt know about Connell airport. Thank you Steve. There used to be a sea plane service from Glasgow to Oban don't know if it is still in service. Best wishes to you and your good lady.

[@steve-marsh]

Ohhh Derek, that would be an amazing flight, I’ll be frantically googling it now :) all the best from both of us :)

[@michaelscott2789]

That's brilliant that. Scotland's equivalent to bush flying or Alaska flying. Sit up front🤣🤣🤣 see yourself as a budding co-pilot then. Great views all round though, you won't get that in your average passenger aircraft. Another one for the "to do" list.👍

[@steve-marsh]

Haha absolutely, give me the controls anytime :) cheers Michael!

[@bernicebest]

You do find us some little Gems 💎 Steve, what a ‘Dinky’ Airport Terminal, with every thing you would need on a one Airport, one airplane with one pilot 🧑‍✈️ the plane looked a wee bit claustrophobic for me though! I enjoyed the stunning views over our magical Island, a most enjoyable flight ✈️ and I thought the pilot was excellent, a very steady take off and landing, and everything in between 👌thank you Steve for another amazing little tour without me moving a muscle! 👏👋

[@steve-marsh]

Thanks for joining me Bernice! He sure did handle the flight well, I’ll bet he’s seen ALL conditions, especially flying at low altitudes! Glad this one wasn’t too bumpy in that small space :)

[@bernicebest]

I bet your head wasn’t far off the roof either! My Nephew started learning to fly in one about as small, and he is six foot five, the first time I went in it I was in awe of how he managed it! my head was practically on the roof, and I am claustrophobic but didn’t want to pass on a fabulous holiday in Italy! 🤗👋

[@robertcoleman4861]

Hi steve,wonderful flight beautiful pictures,is this the only leg the airline fly's? cheer's bob from down under(sydney australia).

[@steve-marsh]

Cheers Bob! They also fly to other islands, do charters and sightseeing flights, all with this one aircraft. They go places like Islay, Colonsay etc...

[@Steve-xf4uv]

What a fun little trip. Just the thing I like to do. Flew on a B-N Islander in the Caribbean in the 1980's and also tried a 3 motor Tislander !! Haven't seen one of those around for a while. This is really seat of the pants flying; so much more fun than the big heavies. Thanks for sharing, it was fun.

[@steve-marsh]

Cheers Steve!

[@OtterlyInsane]

I assume the flights never get high enough to be picked up by any of the ADS-B receivers and that’s why they don’t show of FlightRadar

[@steve-marsh]

Ahhh good point! I normally like to include the route but this was a real ghost plane :)

[@HMGarth]

Such an enjoyable little trip-by-proxy, thank you! 😁👍 I never visited Coll, but in August 1997 my good friend and I (over from Australia) had THE best holiday -- 3 weeks in the Western Isles, staying at B&Bs and driving around leisurely. We took the ferry from Oban to Barra, expecting wild weather but the crossing was literally as calm as a mill-pond, hardly a ripple...it was quite eerie, like something out of The Ancient Mariner!😄 Then to South Uist-Benbecula-North Uist, Harris, Lewis, ferry back to Skye, drive back down to Oban, ferry to Mull, Iona and Staffa, then back to Oban. About 2-3 days in each island/place, plus THE best Summer weather for 10 years, the locals told us...mild and sunny with only 1 afternoon of rain in 20 days! My friend died in a car accident a year ago, so this little jaunt was a nice reminder of one of the happiest times in our lives. Thanks for directing me down Memory Lane! 😢💛🤗

[@steve-marsh]

So sorry to hear that, but what an epic trip you shared! All the best

[@HMGarth]

@@steve-marsh Yep, epic is the word! Best trip of my life. Thanks again for your enjoyable, informative videos 😁

[@legionnairegonk4425]

Now that is what you call a school bus😀

[@steve-marsh]

The school pupils were so chilled about it - and then there was ME 🤣

[@simonwhitlock9189]

Magnificent, the flight may be short but it is oh so sweet, superb scenery I am now quite envious., all the best and stay well.

[@alejandrayalanbowman367]

"sound of Mull" was more like the sound of the starboard engine. Last at Tobermory in 1968 for the Highland Games.

[@michaelchartres]

I have sailed my boat in that area, I've driven my motorhome in that area and now, thanks to your video, I feel I have flown in that area. Great video, many thanks. Regards Michael

[@steve-marsh]

Nice! Cheers Michael!

[@luath5579]

Great trip! The Falls of Lora were looking rather choppy as you crossed the Connel Bridge (Glad I wasn't in that canoe!). I think it's the only UK 'waterfall' which moves slightly with the tide. Great view of Craignure and the Torosay Castle policies at 12:52, on the return flight, and of the site of Java House (the dower house of the estate). Calgary beach is well worth a visit and Calgary House is a wee castellated house, not unlike Hermitage of Braid.

[@steve-marsh]

Cheers for the info! Wish I'd read up on this before I went! :)

[@LynnB_Ky]

Another great watch! You are now top of our "to watch list" - thanks for sharing your adventures 🥰

[@MrReasonabubble]

I used to skydive from BN2 Islanders back in the day - in fact there were quite a number of them in use as UK jumpships up until the late nineties or so. Of course, the seats were stripped out to increase the capacity (you could get 9 or 10 jumpers in there, sat on the floor), and to make them easier to get out of! Most of them were gradually replaced with larger, faster turbine aircraft - but aside from the rather small door and the relatively slow climb rate, there was nothing fundamentally wrong with this faithful old workhorse. Anyway, thanks for this excellent video, Steve - bit of a nostalgia trip for me! :)

[@steve-marsh]

Cheers! So I've done more BN2 landings than you? :)

[@MrReasonabubble]

@@steve-marshquite possibly. I must have a few hundred more takeoffs than landings. 😁 I never did like landing in the plane. That's the scary part. What if you crash?

[@assassinjane]

Ahoy Steve! :D Dreams do come true. Wee but cooler than his big bros up in the air! BN-2B Islander is my new mate on the bucket list! :D Thanks so much, Scotland is indeed full of surprises! The pilot did a smooth job, I can tell he knows his business very well! Aye! Great angle, great video! Hats off. Cheers to 20E subscribers, matey! Captain of the good old Blackthorne

[@steve-marsh]

Thanks pal! That bucket is getting fuller by the day eh? You and me both! :)

[@assassinjane]

@@steve-marsh Indeed! Every day brings a new adventure! Having high hopes of gathering the strength at old age too to keep up! XD

[@jorgerefsgaard2522]

Wonderfull!!! Awesome flight with a tough plane!!!. God bless you!.

[@vitta1966]

We often take our Motorhome to the North Ledaig Holiday park which is shown just after take off from Oban Airport. The yellow Islander is a familiar sight! Great little movie! (PS just between the Airport and Connel Bridge there is a really nice hotel which serves great pub grub and nice beer! And has views to die for). I have been all over the world in the Merchant Navy, but this area around Connel with its views out to the Islands and also inland to Loch Awe and Ben Cruchan is "Simply the Best".

[@steve-marsh]

Thanks so much for the info - will be checking out that wee hotel next time :)

[@davidslobod5726]

I love the detailed footage of the BN2A Islander! It looks like they've kept the aircraft in fantastic shape. Awesome video overall!

[@steve-marsh]

Cheers David! It's in beautiful condition eh!

[@swoodhall]

Lovely Little Aircraft