A WORLD famous professional kite flyer who has performed all around the world is coming to Millport. High flyer Andrew Beattie says he has found his dream job flying giant kites all around the globe at gala events. 

His largest kites include a 90-foot crocodile and gecko, pictured right, and he has been asked to attend massive events in India, China and Florida – as well as Millport this Saturday. 

He told the News: “My job is to make people happy – and that’s what makes this the best job in the world.” “It’s basically just a hobby that got way out of control.” 

Andrew was inspired after developing a love of watching people fly kites as a child – and decided to initially become involved as hobby. 

After realising he had a special talent for the art, five years ago he left his career in technical sales to fly kites full time – and is now in high demand across the globe. 

The Skelmorlie man added: “My diary is completely full because people tend to ask me back to the same event the next year once I perform for them. So I’m always booked well in advance. “Many of my events are ‘season extenders’ in locations with a strong tourism industry.

“If they can use a kite event to extend that season, then that’s worth money to the local economy. 

“Fortunately for me, that optimum week is at different times in different locations, so I have work from early spring to Autumn in Europe. 

“Then the season in the Middle East, China and India is during the time when Europeans would rather be indoors, so it’s ideal.” 

International craftsmanship goes into making the spectacular kites, and Andrew gets his line specially delivered from Iceland.

Travelling all over the world, it takes a case that can carry over 23kg to get two of the biggest kites overseas. 

Now he is bringing his kites to Millport for the September weekend, and hopes the weather will co-operate! 

Islander Suki McGregor has been the one pulling the strings to get Andrew involved after she seen his kites in all their glory at an event in Largs a few years ago. 

She said: “The event was an idea I had earlier this year and I got in contact with Andrew to meet up. 

“We had a coffee and a chat in Largs and then took a trip over to look at a possible site in Millport for a display and Kames Bay seemed the best option. 

“As the kites can’t be flown over water or roads, I have been sending Andrew photos of the beach at different tide heights. 

“I then approached Millport Festival Association to contribute to funding while the Isle of Cumbrae Tourist Association, and CalMac Ferries have all contributed by covering ferry fares. 

“Now all we need is some good weather. 

“The displays will be three stacks maximum with three or four kites on each stack. They all will be highly visible from the centre of town, its just a shame they can’t be seen from Largs too. 

“I would hope if this was successful this year we might have a full-blown kite festival with its own weekend next year.”