A Kilmarnock-based charity has been put in the cockpit of flying the new-look Scottish Airshow.
South Ayrshire Council today announced 'theSKYLAB' as its strategic partner for "an exciting new event" in Ayr next year.
It follows a procurement process where rival bidders pitched to join forces with the council, who will now refine plans around the return of the popular event for 2023.
Those behind theSKYLAB organisation cite a heavy focus on science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).
They state their aim is to "enable young people to realise and understand their potential in future STEM based careers in the aviation and related sectors".
Dr Geoff Coxon, CEO of theSKYLAB, said: “We are delighted to have been chosen by South Ayrshire Council as their strategic partner to plan for the delivery of a new event to the area.
“theSKYLAB will use its experience gained over the last decade to help guide the council with the design and delivery of the event.
“Working with the council will bring about a fantastic opportunity for our charity to continue to raise awareness of the importance of STEM.”
South Ayrshire Council’s tourism spokesman, Councillor Alec Clark, said: “We want to bring large-scale events to Ayr that will encourage thousands of visitors to the town and surrounding area.
“Attracting tourists is essential to our local economy and we need to ensure we give people even more cause to visit South Ayrshire.
“I’m therefore delighted that we’ve been able to secure the right strategic partner and I’m confident that theSKYLAB will help us to plan for the delivery of a fantastic new event that will be a huge hit with locals and visitors alike.”
Sport and leisure spokesman, Councillor Brian Connolly, said: “South Ayrshire has a great leisure offering and events that attract people from all walks of life will enhance this no-end.
“Our proposed calendar of events for 2023 will include things the whole family can enjoy, so there will definitely be few dates to hold in everyone’s diary next year.”
Council leader Martin Dowey added: “Local businesses need a means to attract footfall to the area and local people need something to look forward to. The events programme we have in mind for 2023 ticks both boxes.
“I know that people will be keen to get a flavour of what they can expect to see at these events, so we’ll provide regular updates as more information becomes available.”
The original Scottish Airshow, established in 2013, was cancelled in 2020 after a funding fall-out between organisers and council bosses.
It followed a dispute over in-kind support, with South Ayrshire officials claiming they had handed over money "in error".
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