A pilot took evasive action when a baby hedgehog got in the way of a plane as it prepared for take-off.
The Loganair flight was taxiing to the runway in Stornoway, Lewis when the creature was spotted.
The captain brought the Saab 340 aircraft to a halt and waited two minutes for the hoglet to cross.
The 30 passengers on board were informed about the reason for the delay in their journey to Inverness in the Highlands.
Neil Hughes, Loganair’s director of flight operations, said: ‘The captain safely avoided a prickly situation for the little hedgehog, following the procedure until the animal was off the tarmac.
Our network extends into some of Scotland’s most remote communities so there are quite a few opportunities to see animals in the wild – and we’re always conscious to disturb them as little as possible.’
Pilots operating from Stornoway scan the runway for wildlife regularly, and give the rural location of the airport in the Outer Hebrides.
Passenger Roddy Macleod put a post on Twitter, saying: ‘While departing Stornoway Airport yesterday evening the plane was heading to the runway when it came to a sudden stop.
‘After a short time, the captain announced he has stopped to let a baby hedgehog cross over in front of him!’
He later added: ‘A minute or 2 later I looked out my window to the left and here it was walking off the tarmac onto the grass. Nice touch from the captain!’
I’m sure no one in the plane was complaining about the short delay. How generous is the captain and his patience with the small creature! This is probably one of the flights passengers won’t ever forget!
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