HM Coastguard’s Search and Rescue (SAR) Helicopter base at Prestwick Airport has been praised.

Brian Whittle MSP was recently given a tour of the facility by Chief Pilot, Captain Craig Sweeney.

The South Scotland MSP said: “The new helicopters are a real technological leap forward from the Sea Kings that HMS Gannet used.

"But it’s the people who operate and maintain these machines who really make the difference. 

“Prestwick has been home to a SAR helicopter in one shape or another for a long time and there’s always been great community support and appreciation for them.”