A Shetland couple have the perfect solution for tourists making flying visits to the Skerries - self-catering accommodation right next to the airstrip.

Construction has begun on the first project in Eddie and Rosemary Watt's new business, Peerie Places, which will transform an empty house next to the Bruray airstrip into self-contained accommodation for up to five people.

Mr Watt, a pilot with Loganair, plans to market the cottage to private aviators as well as other tourists, using its handy location as a unique selling point.

Commenting on the project, Mr Watt said:  "I first saw the house when I flew to the island in 1996 and knew then that I just had to have it.  The cottage's close proximity to the landing strip may make it unattractive to other buyers, but it's perfect for us so we snapped it up as soon as it came on the market. 

"We plan to market the cottage to pilots but we hope to attract local people too. There are a lot of Shetlanders who have never been to the Skerries and it would be nice to share the experience I have had.  It's a perfect retreat for those who like peace and quiet.

"We are concentrating on getting the inside of the cottage ready just now, but our long-term aim is to provide a parking area big enough to allow planes to pull up right next to the house."

Shetland Enterprise is keen to increase the range of accommodation available for tourists in the islands and put its support behind the new venture.  The company awarded a £13,519 development grant and the project has also received European funding in the form of a HIE Activities grant of £11,081.

Steven Guthrie, development manager for the Local Enterprise Company said:  "We saw a lot of potential with this development as its unique position next to the Skerries runway could appeal to visitors that perhaps would not have visited.    It is an unusual attraction which will add value to the Skerries economy as well as encouraging more people to visit."