Birthday celebrations took centre stage at Aberdeen International Airport yesterday as it marked its 80th anniversary.
The airport, which officially opened on July 28, 1934, is now Scotland’s third busiest airport with the 5th busiest runway in the UK.
Throughout the day, special events took place for staff and local businesses, and birthday cake was on offer for some lucky passengers.
Octogenarian Norman Robertson also played a part.
Mr Robertson, who was born as the airport opened, cut the cake and was presented with a book of newspaper front pages dating back 80 years.
It was a perfect end to his birthday celebrations, which included a party for 62 close friends and family at his Oldmeldrum home at the weekend – including his six children, 12 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren.
Mr Robertson, who reads the Press and Journal every day, found out he shared the airport’s special day through his daughter Norma Ben Tebr – who also celebrated her 58th birthday yesterday.
He said: “I couldn’t believe it when I found out.
“The first time I used Aberdeen Airport was to go on holiday to Malta 35 years ago and I’ve been quite a regular visitor since then.”
In 2013, the airport carried a record £3.5 million passengers and has seen £52 million worth of investment in the last ten years. A further £57 million is expected to be invested in the next ten years.
Managing director Carol Benzie said: “This airport has grown almost beyond recognition over the last 80 years.
“We have a proud history of growing to meet demand and over the next few years the existing team will begin working on our own legacy.”
She added: “We are taking a major step in the coming months as we embark upon the first real phase of the terminal transformation project which will see the demolition of an existing building on-site to make way for our extension.
“This is an exciting time to be working at the airport. I have no doubt that the team who are at the helm in another 80 years’ time will look back on their own airport history with a similar mixture of fondness and pride.”