Where to take photographs around Edinburgh Airport

Since the closure of the spectators terrace within the Main Terminal building many years ago, excellent photography is still possible from several vantage points around the perimeter of the airport although the choice of where to go depends on the time of day. Consider the position and strength of the sun to the south east in the morning and to the south west in the evening and particularly which runway direction the aircraft are using. The main runway 06/24 is virtually in use 99% of the time, rarely will you see the smaller 12/30 runway in use.

# If you use step-ladders anywhere for extra height, it is advisable not to lay them against the fence as you may be considered breeching the perimeter security.

# Any damage to the perimeter fence is vandalism and offenders will be prosecuted.

There are quite a few CCTV cameras on poles around the airport, you are being watched!

# Edinburgh Airport Security contact: TEL 0131-311-3131

# Anti-terrorist Hotline: Suspicious activities: TEL 0800789321

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River Almond/Boathouse Bridge 

This is where you want to be!

Crash gate 6 at the 'Boathouse Bridge'

When you are at crash gate 6, walk about 100 metres to the left

and find the old marker pole on the river embankment.

If you wish, you can walk another 150 metres further along the perimeter fence

and you will find this new crash gate constructed late 2004.

It is situated directly in front of the C1 link and looks down the 12/30 runway.

'Boathouse Bridge' over the River Almond, one mile east of Kirkliston

This is an excellent place to capture aircraft landing and taking off in either direction especially from late afternoon and during sunsets. Preferably summertime evenings April through to September although not in the morning or early afternoon as you are facing towards the sun. Unfortunately, public transport does not serve this spot. It is just over a mile from the village of Kirkliston, which has the nearest bus services.
By car. Head to Kirkliston and when you get to the "Village Cross" traffic lights where the War Memorial, convenience store and a chinese take away can be seen on the corners, head east for a just over a mile. You will see the distinctive Radar towers (the first photograph) as you go down this road. There is almost always someone there plane-spotting, fishing in the river when it's in season or just folk fascinated by watching planes taking off and landing. Parking there is generally ok but always be aware to ** keep clear of the crash gates at the perimeter fence **.

The best location for photographs is to go over the bridge, walk left onto the riverside path of the River Almond or follow the perimeter fence and continue for about 100 metres. The area you are heading for is seen in the third photograph with the wooden marker pole. Also note that you are at a higher elevation than the runway, so any aircraft wheels are not obscured by grass.

Click here and here and here to see examples of what is possible.

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Ingliston Car Park - Old Sunday Market area (now closed)

You will pass by the 'Woodside Bistro'

The 'Quality Hotel'.

The B1/B3 'Bravo' intersection where most plane-spotters and photographers gather.

#1 How close are the aircraft to the fence?

#2 How close are the aircraft to the fence?

#3 How close are the aircraft to the fence?

A typical scene J

The view above is taken at the western end of the Ingliston Car Park.

It can be found quite easily, look out for the orange wind-sock!

A typical scene at that same spot near the windsock when runway 06 is in use.

Ingliston Car Park

This is the most popular and easily accessable area.
Head down towards the Main Airport terminal building as normal from the A8.
Keep an eye open for the "Quality Hotel" signposts.
This takes you into the Ingliston Car Park.
This large area is on the western side of the airport terminal.

It takes approximately 15 to 20 minutes to walk to this location from the passenger terminal.
When you exit the passenger terminal, turn right and keep walking towards the Control Tower and then you must stay on the road to the Exhibition Centre. After passing the Control Tower there is a 'Golfing Range' on your left and a 'Grampian Foods' also known as 'VION' granary on your right. At the junction, turn right. You will pass a restaurant called the 'Woodside Bistro' on your left hand side as you walk towards the 'Secure Air Parks' portacabins. The wide open spaces and runway becomes visible as you continue.
(Do not follow the the road around the perimeter fence, it will take you to a dead-end into the Tank Farm, car hire depository and service areas)

**The actual Sunday Flea Market and Car Boot sales have now stopped**

If arriving by car, as you are approaching the Quality Hotel, you may enter through the large galvanised gates next to the Secure Air Parks, it will take you into the area seen in the photo's above.
Occasionally, and often, these access gates are closed.
Of course, depending of what events are on show in the exhibition centre, they may be open.
If there is show being held, it may be free access or sometimes there is a charge, usually around £3, so be aware when you arrive.
If the gates are closed, you may be able to continue past the Quality Hotel for another 200 metres and then turn right at the end of the road.
(Which takes you to the location where Lothian Helicopters run their 'Pleasure Flights' from!)
Taking photographs from here is ideal in the morning or afternoon as you are facing northwest.
You will probably have to get out and walk to the B1/B3 spot where most aircraft will pass after landing on runway 24.
The mesh of the new perimeter fence is square and not like the old diamond structure.

Of course, if you are hungry or thirsty, the Hotel and the Bistro are ideal places to fill up your belly, but they aren't cheap!

Also take note that the Ingliston car park is exposed to the elements. There is no shelter and it can be very wet and windy when the weather is bad. Always be prepared for a very cold day, especially if you are arriving by foot.

Note: As from August 2006, full access to the 'car park' down to the B1/B3 spot (by car) is very restricted due to obstructions placed around the car park. (Security, recent vandalism etc) Access by foot is still perfectly ok. The road that serves the Hotel is a private road (not part of the highway I believe) and sometimes it can be 'closed' to vehicular traffic when there are exibitions or displays on. Just be aware and be careful about where you park your car.

Also: Step-ladders will be of no use whatsoever at the B1 'Bravo' link because the new fence is extremely high at this location, but they may be useful at the western end if you want an extra bit of height for 06 departures and arrivals..

Click here and here and here and here to see examples of what is possible.

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Railway Bridge at Lennymuir

That is the Edinburgh-Dundee railway line on the left hand side

Railway Bridge at Lennymuir

At the eastern side of the airport, head up Turnhouse Road passing the ‘Cargo Village’ on your left hand side. There will probably be many cargo aircraft parked facing the ‘Cargo Village’ but unfortunately there are not many easy locations to get a clean photograph of any of the aircraft due to the buildings and clutter lying around on the other side of the perimeter fence. Occasionally you may find the odd aircraft in a good position.

At the top of Turnhouse Road turn right onto ‘Lennymuir’ and head up the hill. You may park your car down on Turnhouse Road and walk up. It is only a couple of minutes walk to the railway bridge. There are some parking places up there but is restricted. From here you can see a single track/access road that takes you down under the approach of Runway 24. Anywhere on this road offers excellent shots of aircraft landing on runway 24. For example, a 135mm lens will capture a B737 in full frame. Even a standard 50mm lens is sufficient for the major jets. The sun is behind you and this is probably the best spot for landing short final shots.

There is also local bus service which serves this area (service approx every 30 minutes). The bus service can be found at the 'Gyle Shopping Centre' bus station, about 2 miles south east of the airport, near the 'Gogar Roundabout'.

As the sun swings around late in the day, try shooting from northern end of this road.
(Summer evenings only)

Click here and here to see examples of what is possible.

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Ratho - Lochend - Newbridge

06 Approach facing north western side perimeter fence

06 Approach facing South (evenings only) at Lochend Road

Ratho – Lochend - Newbridge

Specifically for approach shots landing on runway 06, this is the western end of the airport perimeter.
It is locally known as Lochend.
Beware: there is a sewage treatment plant near here.
The stench can be awful at times! You have been warned!

Back on the main road junction A8 and Motorway (M9) you will find a Drive Thru’ McDonalds at the Newbridge Roundabout and a Motorway pedestrian footbridge that will look down the 06/24 runway for the more adventurous photographer!

Click here and here and here to see examples of what is possible.

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There are other spots around the airport not covered here in detail:

# Near the Passenger Terminal, head to the Long Stay Car Park that faces onto the General Aviation area.

Click here and here to see examples of what is possible.

# At the Boathouse Bridge, rather than heading East, try walking the perimeter fence towards the West for about 5 to 10 minutes. When you're opposite the Fire Station, it's a fine spot catching aircraft landing on runway 06 in the summer evenings.

# The Cul-de-Sac road to the Tank Farm. This is reasonably short walking distance from the passenger terminal of no more than 15 minutes. Come out of the Terminal and turn right. Just keep on walking, following the perimeter fence. This is worth a stroll if you are in the Terminal and have some time to spend before heading back.

# Also, aircraft parked on Block 30 on runway 12/30 can be viewed from the perimeter in several places but may require a walk through long wet grass and muddy tracks.

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Other useful Information:
Airband Frequencies
Tower 118.70
Approach 121.20
Ground 121.75

Runway 06/24 8400ft length
Runway 12/30 5892ft length

Last update on this page 11th August 2009