The Spirit of Flight

That's the title of this sculpture although some people call it 'Those Magnificent Men in their Flying Machines'  after the film (and song).

The sculpture commemorates Scotland's first official Airshow at Lanark Racecourse in 1910.  (And before anyone asks - no I wasn't there!).

Twenty aviators attended from USA, Peru, Holland, Switzerland, Belgium, France, Ireland and Scotland,  and 2 world records were set during the event. 

As flying was extremely dangerous in those days, 6 beds were reserved in the nearby hospital - just in case.    Fortunately they were not needed and it became the first ever Airshow where no none was killled or seriously injured.