Despite the testing high winds buffeting Cumbrae this morning, an air ambulance helicopter managed to arrive on the island to deal with an emergency call-out.

Cumbrae Community Council issued the following statement on their Facebook page: "Well done to the Helimed 5 team for managing to find a weather window and fly in this morning. They must have been close to their operational parameters. We wish whoever needed them a safe and swift recovery."

Thanks to their generous bequest of the late Largs and Millport News photographer Walter Kerr and wife Effie, the islanders now benefit from a facility that allows 24/7 access by air ambulance helicopters without the need for assistance to activate landing lights.


Extensive engineering work was undertaken to create a purpose built landing area and access path for transfer of patients from ambulance to waiting aircraft. Incoming helicopters can activate the landing lights remotely and no longer require the Coastguard to be called out for assistance.

More details about the helipad can be found here