The Tiniest Airport!

One of the most surreal experiences of my first year at university has been making use of Dundee Airport. Over the years I have racked up my fair share of airmiles but the airport at Dundee has to be one of the most intriguing I have ever flown into or out of.

The airport was opened in 1961 on reclaimed land on the banks of the Tay. Originally it operated with a grass runway and offered services to Glasgow. In the 1970s the grass runway was replaced with tarmac and further services added. In 2007 services to Belfast were added which over the past year I have made great use of. Currently services are operated to Birmingham, London, Belfast and Jersey.

Dundee airport is what may be best described as a large two roomed waiting area. From check in to plane can take less than 10 minutes. The planes, which I have been on leaving Dundee airport, are the smallest that I have ever been on seating no more than 30 people. As the airport building is so small you already know everyone by the time you board the plane!

The take-off and landing at Dundee is breathtaking due to its location on a promontory jutting into the Firth of Tay spectacular views over Angus and Fife are on offer combined with an approach coming over the highlands and flying along the silvery water of the Tay it creates a surreal experience and has to be one of the most beautiful airports I have flown from. 

Dundee - St Andrews - The Royal Connection

            With all the recent furore about the royal wedding between second in line to the thrown and “commoner” Kate Middleton it is perhaps fitting that I jump on the band wagon and discuss Dundee extremely vague connection with the royal couple.

Much was made in Scotland as the couples presence in the preceding years at St Andrews university, just accross the water in the kingdom of fife. St Andrews was founded in 1401 and in the following centuries has went on to become recognised as one of the finest universities in the united kingdom.

The connection between Dundee and St Andrews in Fife began with the construction of the Tay rail Bridge cutting journey times between the two towns. St Andrews looking to increase student numbers and diversify the subjects which it offered decided that with its close proximity to the bussiling industrial town of Dundee would be best served with an academical link in the town. And so it came to be That the University College Dundee was formed.

In 1967 by Royal Charter the University of Dundee claimed its independence and the link between the two institutions ceased to eixist. Although a very imprecise link to recent current affairs and the new Royal couple it is interesting none the less of Dundee Universities connection to that of the Ancient institution of St Andrews University