As Scotland’s Airline, Loganair have been serving remote islands and communities for 55 years and play a vital part of life in rural Scotland.

But since going alone and ending their eightyear franchise with FlyBe, Loganair have gone from strength to strength, increasing the number of routes.

The airline now fly to more than 40 destinations across the UK and beyond catering for business and leisure customers.

To mark more than half a century of flying, we’ve showcased 55 of the best destinations and activities you can access with Loganair.

For Adventure

1. Go kayaking, surfing or snorkel with seals in beautiful Barra, where wilderness experts Clearwater Paddling can organise a bespoke sea adventure for all levels of ability.

2. Fly to Bergen then tour some of Norway’s famous fjords by bike. There’s a great cycling route between Bergen and Voss, which brings you close to nature as you cycle past fjords, rivers, waterfalls and mountains.

3. Still in Norway, the Bergen Railway between Oslo and Bergen is considered one of the world’s most scenic train rides. The seven hour journey brings you across one of Europe’s highest mountain plateaus, and takes you to through spectacular and varied nature.

The Bergen to Oslo train

4. Discover the last untamed corner of the UK, as Shetland as been described. A place of extreme weather and extreme fun.

5. Get a bird’s eye view of Jersey’s pristine beaches from one mile high above the island, which boasts one of the only beach landing parachute drop zones in the world.

6. Tiree is statistically the windiest and sunniest place in the British Isles and a mecca for windsurfers - the perfect place to learn this high adrenline sport.

7. If you want to feel like James Bond, go for an action-packed journey down the River Thames in London on the Thames Rocket RIB (rigid inflatable boat).

Explore the Thames by RIB

8. Fly to Aberdeen then head to The River Findhorn, considered the best rafting trip in Britain renowned for exciting rapids and stunning scenery.

9. Cycle around the island of Tiree (it’s 12 miles long and 3 miles wide, and very flat) past stunning deserted white beaches, home to lots of different sea birds, seals and otters.

10. Play a round of golf at the world renowned Machrihanish Golf Course, or Machrihanish Dunes in Campbeltown and get back to the roots of the game where nature is your true challenger.

For Romance

11. With it’s spectacular cliff top position Hermaness National Nature Reserve in Unst, Shetland is a wonderful place to walk and enjoy nature at its best, with spectacular views and vertical cliffs dropping for hundreds of feet into a turbulent sea.

12. Orkney was named as the UK’s most romantic destination by publishers Mills and Boon. Windswept beaches and long, dark nights, are perfect for snuggling up in front of the fire.

13. Dublin is a city made for love - and the capital of hen and stag parties - but nothing beats oysters as the food of romance, washed down with a pint of chilled Guiness.

14. Surprise your loved one with a romantic weekend in Bergen, voted as one of the most romantic destinations in Europe.

Bergen by night

15. Stay in a real castle such as Saddell, a historic 16th-century castle on the shore of the Kilbrannan Sound near Campbeltown, with a spiral staircase, battlements, open fire and private beach.

16. Evoke the spirit of the Jacobites with a weekend at Culloden House, where Bonnie Prince Charlie stayed before the fateful Battle of Culloden. This Grade A listed mansion features four poster beds, chandeliers and open fires.

17.Donegal was named the coolest place on the planet by National Geographic in 2017. It’s a warm-hearted place, but wilderness always feels just a stone’s throw away. Take a trip here and discover the Wild Atlantic Way, one of the longest defined coastal routes in the world.

18. Edinburgh is one of the world’s most romantic cities, dubbed ‘the Athens of the North’. With so much on offer this is a place to wander, eat, drink and explore.

19. The scenic island of Islay is thought to be the birthplace of whisky in Scotland, and with seven working distilleries, Islay continues to export the “water of life” throughout the world. Walk its miles of soft golden sands, before sitting back with a dram.

Bristol's balloon festival

20. Bristol is Britain’s hot air ballooning capital, and the annual Balloon Fiesta in August is Europe’s largest annual meeting of hot air balloons. Take the champagne balloon flight of a lifetime if you really want to impress.

For Families

21. Take a trip to the Granite City, where you can stroll along the waterfront and watch the North Sea lick at Aberdeen’s coast. Don’t forget the ice cream.

22. Starting on the streets of Aberdeen, bundle the family into a car to follow Scotland’s castle trail – the Aberdeenshire countryside is home to more than 300 castles, stately homes and ruins.

23. Shetland’s remote windswept islands are filled with friendly locals, spirited culture and an entrenched history. Visit Sumburgh Head, at the southern tip of mainland, where more than 5000 nesting puffins cling to the ragged rocks.

24. Located on the harbourside, Bristol Aquarium is a fantastic day out for children fascinated by what lies beneath the surface of our seas.

25. With winding streets and cobbled lanes, Scotland’s capital is a feast for the eyes. The Royal Mile’s Camera Obscura will leave your kids filled with wonder and awe, and allow you to see across Edinburgh and beyond.

26. And just along the road, exploring the ramparts of Edinburgh Castle will give young Scots a glimpse into our nation’s fascinating history.

Edinburgh Castle

27. Rent a canoe in Oslo’s Nordmarka forest to marvel at the untouched nature lying just 30 minutes from the bustling city centre.

28. Climb aboard one of the Isle of Man’s Heritage Railways to see the “island of tales, fairies and giants” – the railway was also the inspiration for Thomas the Tank Engine.

29. Take the Fløibanen funicular to the top of Bergen’s Mount Fløye, where you will find panoramic views as well as a popular children’s playpark.

30. Dublin’s Imaginosity Children’s Museum gives under-9s the chance to learn with fun and exciting hands-on activities.

For Culture

31. The birthplace of the elusive street artist, take a walking tour through Bristol to discover some of Banksy’s earliest work.

A Banksy mural in Bristol

32. With seven working whisky distilleries located on the island, Islay is the perfect place to savour a dram – or two.

33. Although it only covers nine miles by five, Jersey is packed full of culture. Visit the La Mare Wine Estate to take a tour of the 20-acre site, enjoying some tasty local produce as you go.

34. Lining the Lille Lungegårdsvann lake in the centre of Bergen, a row of galleries is home to everything from Munch to Picasso artwork.

35. Hip and trendy Oslo is filled with coffee shops, espresso bars and restaurants that prove just why locals enjoy 7.2kg of caffeine-filled beans every year.

36. Scotland’s first design museum is opening on Dundee’s waterfront on September 15. The V&A will open with an exhibition called Ocean Liners: Speed and Style.

37. Relax at Esbjerg’s Market Square where you can watch the world go by in Denmark’s largest shopping precinct.

38. Manchester’s Whitworth Art Gallery features a beautiful collection of British watercolours, prints and contemporary art, including works by Pre-Raphaelite artists Millais, Rossetti, Holman Hunt and Burne-Jones.

39. The Norwich 12 is a collection of iconic buildings, showcasing of the heritage of the Norman, Medieval, Georgian, Victorian and modern eras. Norwich Castle, The Great Hospital and City Hall are all included and open to explore.

40. Free to visit, London’s Whitechapel Gallery is home to galleries, exhibitions, displays and historic archives, as well as a cosy cafe and bookshop.

For Fun

41. Find your sea legs and discover the Hebrides in style with a luxury yacht cruise departing from the idyllic Isle of Barra, known as the Jewel of the Isles. You’ll find set charters and bespoke options leaving from the island.

42. A trip to Dublin wouldn’t be complete without a visit to St James’s Gate Brewery – home of Guinness. Find out about the drink’s history over seven floors before being rewarded with a pint of the Black Stuff on the rooftop bar.

43. If you want a city break that comes with ‘all that jazz’, then Bergen’s Night Jazz Festival in May/June is just the ticket. The main festival area is an old sardine factory and you can choose from around 80 concerts.

44. It’s home to just 60 people but tiny Fair Isle, just south of Shetland’s mainland, has no shortage birds. Try to spot guillemots, razorbills, puffins, kittiwakes and fulmars from the isle’s bird observatory.

45. A tour of Croke Park in Dublin – the third largest stadium in Europe – is a must for sport fans. Take a seat in the VIP area, peek inside the dressing rooms and follow in the footsteps of legends as you emerge from the players’ tunnel and go pitchside.

46. Make the most of a windy day in Jersey by trying blokarting! A cross between go-karting and sailing but on the sand and propelled by the wind, it’s a fun adventure activity for all the family.

47. Addicted to soaps? Revisit some of Coronation Street’s most famous storylines with a tram tour around the Manchester locations where they were filmed, including a visit to the new studios at Weatherfield Quays for an obligatory hotpot.

48. If you’ve always fancied learning to surf, Guernsey’s Surf School has a range of lessons, courses and programmes suitable for all ages and abilities. The instructors are all qualified beach lifeguards and accredited surf coaches so you’ll be in safe hands.

Learn to surf

49. Bergen might be famous for its old wharf and colourful wooden houses but it also has a thriving street art and graffiti scene – complete with tours. Discover the best known murals and hidden gems in some of the city’s most vibrant neighbourhoods.

50. Donegal boasts some of the finest golf courses around so why not perfect your swing and get a round in while surrounded by the raw and rugged beauty of the county. You might even get a hold in one!

And an 5 extra for your Bucket List

51. Barra beach landing - The world’s only scheduled beach landing, this is a once in a lifetime flight to a magical island.

52. Isle of Man Grand Prix - With all the glamour and glitz that you can expect in this race that features 37-plus miles of closed public roads, and brave bikers hitting speeds of up to 200mph.

53. Up Helly Aa - The iconic fire festival takes place in January in Shetland and is a jaw-dropping celebration of the Vikings who ruled the Shetland islands 1,000 years ago and ends with the burning of a replica Viking long ship.

Up Helly Aa

54. Italian Chapel Orkney - One of the enduring symbols of peace, faith and love to emerge from World War Two, it was built by prisoners of war.

55. The Northern Lights - Loganair can help you see the Northern Lights from a number of locations, but especially around Aberdeenshire and Shetland in winter.

The Northern Lights

Competition - Win flights to Bergen with Loganair

You can win two return flights to the beautiful city of Bergen in Norway, from Glasgow or Inverness by entering our competition with Loganair, below.

This competition is now closed.

1. Competition is open from Friday, 23 February, 2018 and closes at midnight on Friday, 9 March 2018.

  • Seats subject to availability
  • Inverness to Bergen commences on May 10
  • Glasgow – Bergen operates between May 25 – Sept 9

2. By entering you hereby agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions in their entirety and the standard Trinity Mirror plc rules - www.dailyrecord.co.uk/rules

3. Entry is open to UK residents only aged 18/over. Employees of Trinity Mirror plc, their immediate families, agents or anyone professionally connected with this competition are excluded from entering.
4. The winners will be chosen randomly by Loganair.