Open day at hangar

THE SUMBURGH coastguard search and rescue unit is holding its first open day on Sunday 14th December.

The event will take place at the CHC hangar at Sumburgh Airport from 10am until 2.30pm, where on show will be one of the identical S92 search and rescue helicopters.

The aircraft will be open for the public to walk through and see the associated rescue and medical equipment carried and used by the crews.

The open day is being held in conjunction with the CLAN 1,2,3 appeal, with all proceeds going to the charity. Additional to the helicopter will be games for children and adults including a treasure hunt to find Oscar Charlie.

The CLAN appeal will be running a raffle as well as selling Christmas cards and paper etc., while the WRVS will be supplying teas as well as soup, bannocks and home bakes in the Upper Gallery cafe.

Santa’s Grotto will include the sale of limited photo prints, as well as embroidered merchandise such as T-shirts, caps and key rings, etc. with the unit’s emblem; these can only be purchased on the base.

Local artist Avril Thomson has donated a painting of the S92 helicopter and this can be bid on in a silent auction. Limited prints of the painting may also be ordered.

Leask’s scheduled buses to Sumburgh will stop and pick up from the CHC hangar and they have also kindly put on a courtesy bus running from Lerwick to the hangar. This will depart at 12.15pm from the bus station and leave Sumburgh at 3pm. There will be limited parking and disabled access is available.

Admission is free, but all donations to the CLAN 1,2,3 appeal will be gratefully received.