Nestled on the picturesque Isle of Mull, Glenforsa Airfield is a gateway to breathtaking Scottish landscapes and a unique hub for aviation enthusiasts. Built to complement the small cottage hospital in Salen, its primary purpose was to serve as the island’s only fixed-wing air ambulance evacuation facility. This crucial role has seen an average of one patient per month airlifted from the strip, with over 400 patients evacuated from Mull in total. This vital service has been carried out by Loganair pilots flying Britten-Norman Two Islander aircraft, daytime Scottish Air Ambulance helicopters, and occasionally, Navy Sea Kings for night-time evacuations.
A Brief History
The airfield was constructed by the Royal Engineers between May and August 1965 and officially opened on September 13, 1966. For twelve years, it was licensed by the Civil Aviation Authority, with Loganair operating a daily summer service to Glasgow, Oban, and Coll. This service, which saw Aztecs, Islanders, Skyvans, and Trislanders fly in, was terminated in 1980, likely due to improved ferry sailings. However, many still remember those half-hour trips in the capable hands of pilots like Captains Duncan Macintosh, Jim Lee, Geoff Rosenbloom, Ken Foster, and Ben Thomas. The island’s history in aviation also holds a famous and perplexing unsolved puzzle, the disappearance of a pilot and his plane in 1975, an event now known as The Great Mull Air Mystery. Today, the airfield is operated by Glenforsa Airfield Ltd, with day-to-day administration handled by Brendan Walsh of the Glenforsa Hotel, who is himself an experienced pilot.
The Glenforsa Hotel
The Glenforsa Hotel is not just an adjacent building but an integral part of the airfield’s community and operation. A Norwegian wooden log building, the hotel is run by Brendan and Allison Walsh, who are experienced pilots themselves. Brendan handles the day-to-day administration of the airfield, making the hotel the very heart of the operation. It serves as a social base for all visiting pilots, offering a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The hotel’s unique location, nestled in private woodland with sea and mountain views, makes it a destination in its own right for pilots and tourists alike.
A Social Hub for Fly-ins
With an average of some four hundred visiting light aircraft each year, the highlight is the annual Mull Air Rally. This event often sees as many as 150 aircraft arrive over a Bank Holiday weekend at the end of May. During these events, Glenforsa operates a ground-to-air advisory radio on the microlight frequency of 120.805. These fly-ins are a testament to the enduring appeal of this unique airfield, bringing pilots and enthusiasts together from around the country to share their passion and enjoy the stunning scenery.
Airfield Information & Operations
Glenforsa is an unlicensed grass airfield. The runway measures 780m x 28m and is situated at 15ft above sea level. While its length is level, the width has a slight slope down to the sea. Therefore, pilots are advised to land, taxi, and backtrack on the higher, south side of the strip. For safety, pilots should be aware that livestock may be on the airfield from October through April, and geese can be a hazard year-round. All circuits are to be flown over the sea (north) at 800ft.
For visiting pilots, it is essential to arrange PPR (Prior Permission Required) by contacting the Glenforsa Hotel. The airfield’s frequency is 120.805 MHz. Landing fees are £12.50 per aircraft, with a small discount if paid in cash. There is no charge for overnight parking. It is also important to note that Avgas is not available on site; fuel can be obtained at Oban Airport, but it is essential to arrange this in advance. Airfield Control is situated in the Glenforsa Hotel, and pilots must sign in upon arrival.
Notable Visitors to Glenforsa
The airfield’s unique location and welcoming atmosphere has attracted a number of notable visitors over the years. Among the famous and “discriminating” air visitors who have flown in are the cricketer Ted Dexter, television host Russell Harty, actors Robert Wagner, Donald Sutherland, and Tom Cruise, racing driver David Coulthard, and politician Winnie Ewing. The airfield has also welcomed renowned musicians such as Dave Gilmore and Phil Collins. The Glenforsa Hotel provides a social base for all who fly in, making the airfield a truly special place on the Isle of Mull.
