In September 1938, aerodromes and airports in the Hebrides were inspected by Air Ministry officials.
Accompanied with Captain David Barclay Chief pilot of Scottish Airways, the party called in to inspect aerodromes at South Uist, North Uist, Benbecula and Barra. The field at Askernish on South Uist was to be considerably extended.
Then the party travelled to Tiree to inspect the new airport there. A rise in air travel between Renfrew (Glasgow) and the Hebrides meant larger and faster planes were needed resulting in extension to many runways and airports, including Tiree.
Given the year 1938, one has to wonder also if the Air Ministry knew the strategic importance airports in the Western isles would have should the uncertainty in Europe boil over into war.
