Braveheart wanted to run Scotland's Dornoch Airstrip

An unlicensed airstrip on the north-east coast of Scotland, close to the Highlands, is available to lease – but only as a working airfield.

Dornoch Airstrip is adjacent to the well-known Dornoch links golf course and the sea. A five-year lease is being offered by The Highland Council.

The airstrip has a total site area of 16.16 hectares (41 acres), with a 775 metre long grass runway by 23 metres wide.

Councillor Richard Gale said, “Dornoch Airfield is a fantastic asset for Dornoch and the surrounding area, and one which has significant potential for rejuvenation and development, with a lessee able to bring a fresh perspective and approach to management of the airfield.

“It is actively used at present by a number of private pilots and flying clubs from across the region, as well as by local community groups such as the Dornoch Model Flying Club. The council looks forward to receiving proposals from interested parties and to working with the successful tenant to support them as they take on this exciting opportunity.”

All proposals are welcomed before the closing date of 13 October 2023. Any offer should outline relevant background and experience and include an appropriate business case for the requirements outlined in the particulars.

The lease terms include:

• Site Management: Issuing annual landing cards, managing PPR requests, liaising with existing tenants and users of the site.
• Maintenance of Facilities: That all maintenance requirements are fulfilled, including landscaping the airstrip and its surrounding areas.
• Safety and Compliance: Acquiring and maintaining a relevant annual insurance cover, and to ensure adherence to published guidance to meet the highest safety standards.
• Business Development: Identify growth opportunities, attract new aviation partnerships, and explore potential revenue streams to sustain and develop the airstrip’s future.
• Stakeholder Relations: Foster positive relationships with key stakeholders i.e., local businesses, government agencies and the local community.

Contact the council here.