Flying Fever Paragliding

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.