logo
Inside world's shortest flight as 53-second Scots journey is still popular today

Inside world's shortest flight as 53-second Scots journey is still popular today

Scottish Sun28-04-2025
SHORT HAUL Inside world's shortest flight as 53-second Scots journey is still popular today
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window)
Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
SCOTLAND is home to the world's shortest commercial flight - and it only takes about a minute to reach your final destination.
Running between the Orkney islands of Westray and Papa Westray, this flight serves as a crucial link between the two.
Sign up for Scottish Sun
newsletter
Sign up
1
The speedy flight operates daily, with fares starting as low as £8
Credit: Alamy
The entire journey lasts a total of 90 seconds from takeoff to landing, with just 53 seconds spent in the air.
Operated by Loganair and Flybe, the Britten-Norman BN2B-26 Islander aircraft accommodates only ten passengers on the 1.7-mile route.
The rapid flight operates daily, with fares starting as low as £8.
For residents of both islands, there is no more affordable or convenient alternative.
While a ferry does operate between Westray and Papa Westray, it takes significantly longer, with a journey time of 25 minutes.
There is no bridge to connect the two islands, so you can't walk or drive either.
Having been in operation since 1967, the aircraft celebrated its one millionth passenger milestone in 2016.
With a record flight time of just 47 seconds, this route has been recognised as the shortest scheduled passenger flight by the Guinness World Records.
Passengers aren't required to arrive at the airport two hours in advance, as is standard for most flights.
Instead, it's recommended to arrive just ten minutes prior.
I grew up on a tiny island in Scotland - it's home to the shortest flight in the world & Billy Connolly ran around naked-
As for hand luggage, even small carry-ons must be placed in the cargo compartment.
The journey is primarily used by teachers and students visiting archaeological sites but is also utilised by health professionals who provide care to patients on both islands.
According to The Points Guy's Daniel Ross, the sea route is aboard a "fisherman-like boat."
He said: "The boat rocked so violently from side to side that I was sure we were going to capsize. Spending 20 minutes on that boat on a 'calm day' was enough to make me never want to set foot on another boat again."
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Nine of Europe's best city break destinations where you only need two days to explore
Nine of Europe's best city break destinations where you only need two days to explore

Scottish Sun

time7 hours ago

  • Scottish Sun

Nine of Europe's best city break destinations where you only need two days to explore

From floating saunas to rooftop bars – discover why Europe's cities are calling you this summer SWAP SEA FOR CITY Nine of Europe's best city break destinations where you only need two days to explore Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) SUMMER doesn't have to mean sun loungers by the seaside. This year, more travellers are swapping beach towels for city maps, discovering that short-haul city breaks offer their own summer magic — from floating saunas in Oslo to pierogi festivals in Krakow. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 9 From palace tours to pedal-powered sightseeing, Copenhagen's vintage shops and café scene make it the ultimate chic summer escape Credit: Getty According to experts at Travel-Supermarket, summer city breaks are on the increase. Steph Marinkovic, its head of editorial, said: 'We're seeing a rise in interest for summer 2025 ­compared to the same period last year, based on relative monthly search traffic.' Here, Sun Travel digs out the best last-minute mini-breaks in ­cities this summer, with top tips from Steph. COPENHAGEN, DENMARK 'Copenhagen oozes Scandi cool, so pack your chicest threads for two days of cycling, cafe-hopping and palace exploration. "Make sure to leave space in your suitcase as the city has an excellent vintage ­shopping scene too,' says Steph. GO: Two nights' B&B at the 3* Best Western Hotel Hebron is from £438pp including flights from ­Stansted on August 17. See ­ REYKJAVIK, ICELAND 9 From towering churches to steaming geysers, Reykjavik packs epic sights and natural wonders into one unforgettable weekend Credit: Getty 'You can squeeze a lot out of two nights in compact Reykjavik, so once you've seen the city highlights (the towering Hallgrímskirkja church is a must), book on to a Golden Circle tour to tick off natural wonders such as the Geysir geothermal area and Gullfoss waterfall,' notes Steph. GO: Two nights' room-only at the 3* CenterHotel Arnarhvoll for £445pp including flights from Stansted on August 30. For details see Top 5 cheapest European city breaks DUBLIN, IRELAND 9 Just over an hour away, Dublin offers summer strolls and fantastic indoor attractions if you're caught in a shower Credit: Getty 'With flight times of around 70 minutes, Dublin proves you don't have to go far for a city break to remember. "This walkable city is at its loveliest in summer, though there are plenty of fantastic indoor attractions if you get caught in a shower,' says Steph. GO: Two nights' B&B at the 4* Hotel Riu Plaza The Gresham Dublin is from £202pp including flights from Birmingham on Aug 24. See OSLO, NORWAY 9 Oslo blends highbrow culture with wild swims and floating saunas – cool off in the fjord, then warm up in style Credit: Getty 'From the Nobel Peace Center to the Munch Museum, the Norwegian capital has tons of cultural clout. "For culture of another kind, join locals jumping into the fjord for a refreshingly icy swim. "You can warm up again in the city's floating saunas, which is a treat even in summer,' notes Steph. GO: Two nights' room-only at the 4* Scandic Victoria is from £298pp including flights from ­Stansted on August 23. For details see STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN 9 Beat the crowds in Stockholm this August with an island escape to Sandhamn, complete with beaches, spa hotels and a new archipelago trail Credit: Getty 'Swedish schools return by mid-August, so it's a brilliant time to visit Stockholm's islands without the family crowds,' explains Steph. 'Sandhamn is the perfect back-to-nature pick close to the city, with sandy beaches, lush spa hotels and the recently opened Stockholm Archipelago Trail that loops around the island.' GO: Two nights' room-only at the 4* Downtown Camper by Scandic is from £429pp including flights from Birmingham on August 15. See AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS 9 Steph's tip is to book ahead for museums such as the Anne Frank House as tickets can sell out weeks in advance 'Two days in Amsterdam won't be enough to get under the skin of the city, but you will certainly get through many of the must-sees. "Book ahead for museums such as the Anne Frank House as tickets can sell out weeks in advance,' advises Steph. GO: Two nights' room-only at the 5* Pestana Amsterdam Riverside is from £358pp including flights from Liverpool on August 7. See BRUSSELS, BELGIUM 9 From world-class chocolate and beer to a city-wide Comic Strip Trail, Brussels packs a punch for a short summer break Credit: Getty 'It's impossible to be bored in the land of fries, chocolate and beer,' notes Steph. 'When you're not scoping out the best the city has to offer, make time to follow the Comic Strip Trail, an 80-strong collection of giant comic-inspired murals.' GO: Two nights' room-only at the 5* Hotel Le Plaza is from £200pp including flights from Manchester on August 16. See KRAKOW, POLAND 9 Krakow's August sizzles with the Pierogi Festival, so get ready to feast on Poland's famous dumplings - and to loosen your belt Credit: Getty 'Krakow's August highlight has to be the four-day Pierogi Festival on 14-17. "Join the celebration of Poland's humble dumpling and be prepared to loosen the belt a few notches — the filling options are delicious and endless!' says Steph. GO: Two nights' room-only at the 4* Aparthotel Santi is from £301pp including flights from Leeds Bradford on August 13. See BERLIN, GERMANY 9 Make a beeline for the city's lakes, where you can swim, sunbathe and rent boats and paddleboards Credit: Getty 'There's never a bad time to visit Berlin but it's hard to deny its allure in summer. "Make a beeline for the city's lakes, where you can swim, sunbathe and rent boats and paddleboards. 'There are also plenty of free street festivals showcasing theatre, dance, music and more,' notes Steph. GO: Two nights' room-only at the 4* Adina Apartment Hotel Berlin Checkpoint Charlie is from £247pp including flights from Stansted on August 24. See

The 'Scottish island' in Canada where most residents are Scots and people speak Gaelic
The 'Scottish island' in Canada where most residents are Scots and people speak Gaelic

Daily Record

time11 hours ago

  • Daily Record

The 'Scottish island' in Canada where most residents are Scots and people speak Gaelic

It has a fascinating history dating back hundreds of years. All over the world, there are people who have roots in Scotland. There are even some settlements in far-off countries that celebrate their Scottish heritage thanks to our huge diaspora. ‌ As recently reported by the Daily Record, there is a village in Italy that has a fascinating history. The residents of Gurro, which is nestled within the mountainous region of Piedmont, descended from a group of Scottish soldiers. ‌ However, there are many places even further afield that have amazing ties to Scotland. One of these is Prince Edward Island in Canada. ‌ Prince Edward Island is among eastern Canada's maritime provinces. It is located off New Brunswick and Nova Scotia (New Scotland), within the Gulf of St Lawrence. According to the Prince Edward Island website, the history of the island is "like a rope made of intertwined strands"—with many different cultures represented. One of these is Scotland, with the island having a strong and enduring Scottish heritage. Prince Edward Island is among Canada's oldest settled areas, with its population reflecting the origins of its early settlers. Hundreds of years ago, there was a large influx of Scots to the island. ‌ That resulted in the isle having the biggest proportion of Scottish immigrants in Canada—while today people of Scottish descent make up its largest ethnic group. As a result, Prince Edward Island became known for its thriving Scottish culture. Most of its Scottish population originated from the Highlands, with the settlers finding the island's terrain well suited to their Highland agricultural techniques. ‌ According to history website Electric Scotland, the settlers chopped down trees and planted potatoes amongst the stumps. They also allowed their cattle to graze all over the land. Prince Edward Island is even home to a number of Gaelic speakers. According to a tourism expert on the Prince Edward Island website, it has even been taught in some local schools. ‌ They wrote: "The latest information I could find states that 15 people were claiming Scottish Gaelic as their mother tongue in the 2016 census. In the 2011 census, there were only 10, with over 90 claiming to speak a Gaelic language. "Gaelic has been offered as part of some high school curricula in the past in Prince Edward Island and there is a Gaelic College in our neighbouring province of Nova Scotia." ‌ Today, the island is home to a heritage centre where visitors can learn all about its one-of-a-kind history. The Selkirk Scottish Heritage Centre is comprised of the Acadian Cemetery, The Croft House Museum, the historic Belle River Church of Scotland, and the Honourable J Angus MacLean memorial cairn. The replica Croft House is an information museum of Scottish heritage in the Big Belfast area of the island. Its roots date back to Lord Selkirk V and his 800 settlers who landed on Prince Edward Island in 1803. The museum is home to guides who can tell stories and explain genealogical records and artefacts. Meanwhile, it even hosts a ceilidh in June. ‌ Visitors can also visit its Scottish gift shop, which stocks jewellery and clan and tartan items. Also available are Scots dictionaries, maps, and a variety of books about Scotland and its history. In Scottish Gaelic, Prince Edward Island is 'Eilean a' Phrionnsa'. This translates to 'the Island of the Prince'.

The quirky Brighton hotel that's the perfect base to explore the seaside city
The quirky Brighton hotel that's the perfect base to explore the seaside city

Scottish Sun

time11 hours ago

  • Scottish Sun

The quirky Brighton hotel that's the perfect base to explore the seaside city

Inside is colourful decor and rooms to suit every kind of break GO SEA IT The quirky Brighton hotel that's the perfect base to explore the seaside city Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) THE Leonardo Hotel Brighton is the perfect base for anyone exploring the seaside city whether it's a family break, couples retreat or solo daytrip. Read on to find out more about the hotel and surrounding seaside city. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 5 The Leonardo Hotel Brighton is right behind the city train station Credit: Leonardo Hotels 5 The rooms are cosy and practical too Credit: Leonardo Hotels Where is Leonardo Hotel Brighton? This hotel is in the best location for any travellers heading to Brighton by train as it's a two-minute walk from the station. The four-star hotel is right behind the central train station, it's incredibly easy to find and the perfect place to stay while exploring the seaside city. Just a 15-minute walk from the hotel, there are shops aplenty, from classic brands to the vintage market - don't forget to stop at a local cafe for a coffee or an ice cream. If you take a leisurely stroll down the main road, you'll be at the beach in under 30-minutes. There's no parking at the hotel so any visitors by car will have to use the multi-storey or train station car park opposite the hotel. What is the hotel like? The first thing you'll notice in the Leonardo Hotel Brighton is a huge and welcoming reception area that literally says 'nice to see you'. Next to that is plenty of seating that's bright and colourful with glowing neon signs and pretty potted plants. There are games like table football too and even a little photo area too. What is there to do there? The hotel is the perfect vantage point for exploring the city, whether it's straight down to the beach or heading out for a night of clubbing, it's a great place to base yourself. Popular attractions in the city include the pier, Victoria Gardens, Brighton Toy Museum and the i360 observation deck. Beach Club that's like being on the Med 5 The hotel offers a hot and cold buffet breakfast Credit: Leonardo Hotels What is there to eat and drink there? To start the morning off right, guests can grab a full English breakfast, or continental option at the buffet. The Bar & Grill is also open for lunch and dinner too. On offer are lighter options like sandwiches and salads, all the way to curries, pizzas, pies and the seaside stable fish and chips. There's a choice of desserts too, as well as a children's menu and gluten-free options. Either in the restaurant or at the reception bar, choose from a long list of wine, champagne, beer, spirits and soft drinks. What are the rooms like? The hotel has 234 rooms and are perfect for every sort of traveller whether it's a solo daytrip, couples getaway or family break. Rooms range from standard doubles to family and executive king rooms. Each has everything you need like free Wi-Fi, a flatscreen TV with Freeview, tea and coffee facilities and it's kitted out with USB ports. There's a desk area for anyone needing to work or even use as a makeup station and a crisp white bathroom with all the basics you need. Rooms also come with air conditioning and heating too. 5 The quirky decor fits right in with the city of Brighton Credit: Leonardo Hotels Is Leonardo Hotel Brighton family-friendly? Yes, I saw one child taking advantage of the deck chair in the hotel's reception and photo prop area. Family rooms cater for a family of four and have a double bed and sofa bed (suitable for up to 2 adults and 2 children under 12 yrs). Is there access for guests with disabilities? Yes, there are accessible rooms which are suitable for wheelchair users, and those with visual or hearing impairments. These rooms have lowered beds, wide doorways, roll-in showers, grab rails, and remote-controlled doors. Looking to book? Go to:

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store