Flying Fever Paragliding

Update, June 2026: Flying Fever Paragliding has closed. The school, which ran on the Isle of Arran for many years, has ceased trading according to its own website. Please look for alternative Scottish paragliding schools before planning a visit.

Flying Fever is the Isle of Arran-based paragliding school, operating from the rolling slopes above Kildonan on the south coast of the island. Arran has been called “Scotland in miniature” for a reason — mountain ridge, coastal cliff and sheltered glen sites all within an hour’s drive on a small island — which gives the school unusual flexibility in matching site to conditions.

What to expect

BHPA Elementary and Club Pilot courses spread over 4-7 days, taking advantage of the island’s varied terrain. Tandem flights run for those wanting a single experience rather than a full course. The Kildonan area gives gentle south-facing slopes for first-timers; the Goat Fell ridge holds for more experienced pilots in summer thermals. The school takes small group sizes to keep instructor ratios strong.

Practical notes

Arran is reached by Caledonian MacBrayne ferry from Ardrossan (55 minutes) — an hour’s drive from Glasgow. The island has good B&B and self-catering accommodation, plenty of pubs, and the Brodick Visitor Centre as a logistics base. Courses run April-October. Flexible weather-window policy — the school will rebook if the week’s conditions look poor. Plan to stay on the island for the duration; ferries fill in summer.

Who it suits

Flying Fever suits beginners and pilots who like variety, using Arran's mountain, ridge, coastal and glen sites — all within a short drive on one small island. That range makes it easier to find a flyable site whatever the wind is doing.

Getting there

The school is above Kildonan on the south coast of the Isle of Arran. The island is reached by ferry from Ardrossan, which has a station with direct trains from Glasgow; once on Arran a car or the island bus is needed to reach Kildonan and the flying sites.

Quick answers

Do you need experience to try it?

No. Tasters and beginner courses welcome people with no flying background, starting with ground handling.

How long does it take to learn?

The Elementary stage takes a few days; an independent Club Pilot rating typically takes a season of suitable-weather days.

When is the best time of year?

Spring to autumn. Arran's range of sites helps you find flyable conditions across a good spread of the season.