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GLA destination photo
LSI destination photo

GLALSI

Our Recommendation
8.7

Right Side of the Plane

While both sides offer stunning views of the Scottish wilderness, the right side provides a superior vantage point for the Cairngorm peaks, the Moray Firth coastline, and the iconic aerial view of Fair Isle during the final leg.

Right Side Highlights
8.7
🏙️

Glasgow Cityscape

A birds-eye view of the River Clyde, the SEC Armadillo, and the historic urban layout of Scotland's largest city.

🏔️

Cairngorms National Park

Fly over the highest mountain plateau in the UK, featuring snow-capped peaks and ancient Caledonian pine forests.

⚓

Moray Firth

View the sweeping coastline of the northeast, including the mouth of the River Ness and the coastal town of Lossiemouth.

🏝️

Fair Isle

The highlight of the route; catch a rare glimpse of Britain's most remote inhabited island, world-famous for its knitwear and birds.

🕯️

Sumburgh Head

The plane often banks right over the iconic Stevenson-designed lighthouse at the southern tip of Shetland during the final approach.

The right side is the 'star' for this route, specifically for Fair Isle which appears about 15 minutes before landing. Morning flights are ideal for the right side to catch the sunrise over the North Sea. Ensure your camera is ready for the low-altitude pass of the Sumburgh Head lighthouse.

Left Side Highlights
8.2
🏞️

Loch Lomond

Witness the expansive 'Bonnie Banks' and the surrounding Trossachs National Park shortly after takeoff from Glasgow.

⛰️

The Great Glen

On clear days, view the massive geological fault line that cuts through the Highlands, potentially including Loch Ness.

🌊

Pentland Firth

The turbulent stretch of water separating the Scottish mainland from the Orkney Islands, known for its powerful tides.

🪨

Old Man of Hoy

Look for the famous 449-foot sea stack standing tall against the western cliffs of the Orkney archipelago.

🦅

Fitful Head

As you descend into Sumburgh, these dramatic 900-foot cliffs on Shetland's southwest coast offer spectacular bird-watching views.

Choose the left side for better lighting on afternoon flights to avoid the direct southern sun. This side is superior for viewing the rugged western coastline of Orkney and the famous sea stacks if the flight path tracks slightly west.

Top Activities in Sumburgh
Route Information

Distance: 483 km (300 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 48 min

Departure: GLA (55.8718986511, -4.43306016922)

Arrival: LSI (59.87889862060547, -1.295560002326965)

Route Type: Domestic

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