A purpose-built helipad is to be constructed on Gigha to make emergency air transfers to mainland hospitals safer and more efficient.
The life-saving facility will replace the often waterlogged “landing strip” of grass which is currently used.
The project is being made possible through the combined efforts of the Helicopter Emergency Landing Pads (HELP) Appeal and the British Army’s Corps of Royal Engineers, as the organisations join forces for the first time.
Given its remote location, Gigha’s inaccessibility can be problematic during medical emergencies, with problematic conditions at the current landing area often delaying the transfer of patients needing hospital care on the mainland.
The creation of a permanent helipad at Gigha Airfield means air ambulances and larger coastguard helicopters will be able to land and take off at any time.
Given the current challenges, the Isle of Gigha Heritage Trust (IGHT) approached the HELP Appeal, which agreed to fund the £150,000 project.
Coincidentally, the charity had also been contacted by 39 Engineer Regiment in Kinloss to ask if there was a helipad project it could be involved with to gain exercise experience of building emergency platforms.
Now, in conjunction with local contractors, the 39 Engineer Regiment – the Ministry of Defence’s high readiness air support engineer force – will build the structure, which is expected to be operational by April this year.
Jane Millar, business development manager at the IGHT, says the trust is “completely amazed” by the opportunity to coordinate the project with partners.
She said: “The issues with the existing airfield have been raised for years, but there never seemed to be a viable solution for the community trust to take forward.
“We know how difficult the current situation has been for our local emergency services, so this project will hugely support their work, and ensure safe access to hospital for our community.
“To receive this level of support from the HELP Appeal and the Royal Engineers has been incredible.”
Robert Bertram, the HELP Appeal’s chief executive, says he is excited by the unique partnership that he believes will provide life-saving access to hospital during emergencies.
Mr Bertram added: “Gigha needs this helipad now as there is only one surgery on the island with no doctor.
“Thanks to our supporters, funding is available immediately and, with the Royal Engineers on board, I have no doubt that construction will be as efficient as possible ensuring it opens this spring.
“Once built, the community will never have to fear that ground conditions will let them down again and they can be sure of a swift transfer off the island to hospital whenever they need it.”
One Gigha resident who knows first-hand how important air links to mainland hospitals are for islanders is Emma Dennis.
She said: “I was flown from Gigha to hospital in Glasgow on two separate occasions while having my three sons. As an island community, we depend on air transfers during many different emergency medical situations, so we are all delighted that the new helipad will make that vital process smoother for all involved.”
Emma’s son Sean, now 20, is now preparing the site for the arrival of the Royal Engineers, who are expected next week.
Captain Paddy Bryden said 53 Field Squadron, part of 39 Engineer Regiment, is also delighted to be involved with the project.
He said: "Our role in supporting military helicopters has many similarities to the construction of civilian helicopter infrastructure, and this opportunity offers valuable training for our specialist tradespeople.
“As a regiment, we are grateful to be afforded the opportunity to give back to our rural areas and having been born and raised in the Highlands myself, I recognise the disproportionally positive impact improved infrastructure can have on communities such as Gigha.
“We hope there might be future training opportunities for the regiment to work with the HELP Appeal team when our schedule allows.”
The HELP Appeal has funded or is funding 15 helipads in Scotland, including the Robert Black Memorial Helipad at Campbeltown Hospital, which became operational in 2021.
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