THE achievements of an an often-overlooked pioneer of Scottish aviation, have been celebrated in an annual event.
Andrew Blain Baird was described as an inspirational figure who "should be a role model for young people".
It was at Ettrick Bay, on Bute, on September 17, 1910, that Baird made history with the first all-Scottish, heavier-than-air powered flight, in his Baird Monoplane.
Watched by a small crowd, the sophisticated monoplane was in flight for between 10 and 12 seconds before landing.
The weekend was the sixth consecutive year that Bute has celebrated the achievement of Baird, who died in 1951, aged 89.
Mike Russell, former Cabinet Secretary for Education, and a Baird of Bute Society trustee, unveiled an Historic Scotland plaque in honour of Baird.
He said: “It is difficult to imagine what it was like to be Andrew Baird. To work for months on the construction of a flying machine while, no doubt, his neighbours mocked the very idea.
“To sit in the rudimentary cockpit and look around at the sea and sand and wonder if he would be alive in half an hour. To rise from the earth like no one ever before in this island and realise that imagination and hard work did produce results.
“And to do it here in a place that some would see as far from the centre of innovation and progress - though those of us who live in Argyll know different."
He added: “Andrew Blain Baird should inspire each one of us. He should be a role model for young people, because nothing should be impossible for them.”
Christopher Marwell, chairman of the Baird of Bute Society, which was set up in 2011,added: “Scotland is a country of innovation and it is quite right that we continue to honour and support that legacy.”
Adverse weather meant that Saturday's air show, which should have involved a flypast including performances by Royal Navy and vintage aircraft, had to be cancelled, for the first time in six years.
The Baird of Bute Society is focused on employing the entrepreneurial achievements of Baird to "inspire" the youth of Bute and Scotland to "aspire" to greater things. Enterprise and mentorship programmes, awards and scholarships are offered to assist in the promotion and development of youth-centered entrepreneurial skills and pursuits.
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