THE biggest air show in Scotland will take to the skies this weekend - and the UK’s largest fire and rescue service will be there.

Almost 100,000 people are expected to descend on Ayr beachfront for the Scottish International Airshow.

Crowds will be treated to thrilling displays from the likes of the Red Arrows, the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight and HM Coastguard helicopters.

However, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service will be sticking firmly to terra-firma, with local crews bringing their 18-tonne fire appliance to the Low Green on both Saturday and Sunday.

Young Firefighters will also be on hand to help crews spread the message of safety to the crowds, with kids and families able to get a closer look at the state-of-the-art fire machine and speak to frontline firefighters.

James Scott is the Local Senior Officer (LSO) for Ayrshire.

He said: “We are delighted to be a part of this major event that will draw people from across the UK, and even the world, to Ayr.

“The crowds will no doubt be enthralled by the sights and sounds of some of the most advanced aircraft in the world filling the skies.

“However, we certainly hope that they will be able to spare a moment and come and speak to their local firefighters.

“Events like these are an excellent opportunity for us to speak to people face to face, let them know that we can do more than just fight fires – we can help to prevent them from happening in the first place.”

He continued: “Our free Home Fire Safety Visits can identify not just fire risks, but other hazards that could result in harm in your own home.

“We are particularly keen to speak to the most vulnerable people in the community – so if you think your own home or someone you know could benefit from such a visit then please come speak to us.

“So if you have any questions for us, or just want to take a closer look at one of our appliances, please come and see us on the Low Green.”

The Scottish International Airshow runs throughout both days on Saturday, September 2, and Sunday, September 3.

For more information and a full timetable of events please visit www.tsia.scot.

Anyone can arrange a free Home Fire Safety Visit by calling SFRS on the free phone number 0800 073 1999, by texting ‘FIRE’ to 80800 or by filling in a form at www.firescotland.gov.uk