There are no out of hours flights permitted while the work on the runway continues (notam). I got the impression there were not many GA visitors. Apart from the scheduled service from Glasgow and the Ambulance service helicopter I only saw overhead transatlantic traffic during my visit. The opening hours are quite restrictive and to see anything of the island requires an overnight stay
The Scarinish hotel was very good for its 2 stars and the food was outstanding.
http://www.tireescarinishhotel.com/
The views of the islands on the way out are just spectacular and enough reason alone to make the trip. There is a VOR on the field and an extremely helpful and friendly ATC. There is no fuel but careful planning and a dipstick should mean very little inconvenience. If I had not had adverse winds and weather I would have flown direct to/from Carlisle.
It is easy to hire a bicycle; a car is hardly necessary as the island is relatively flat and there is a very cheap ‘ring and ride’ bus service. There are numerous spectacular beaches.
As expected, the islanders were all very helpful and friendly. It is odd initially to get a wave from every (infrequent) passing car. There is no virgin mobile service but major networks are probably OK.
