An airfield that played a crucial role in the early days of North Sea oil is celebrating its 40th anniversary.

Colour TV was yet to arrive in Shetland when the first flight landed at Tingwall Airport on the archipelago's mainland on October 20, 1976.

BP submitted the blueprints for Sullom Voe Terminal within weeks of the airfield's opening and oil charter flights became a regular sight at Tingwall.

About 400 passengers pass through the airport each month and it remains a critical link to Shetland's outer isles, with regular flights to Fair Isle, Papa Stour and Foula.

Shetland councillor Michael Stout said: "Having lived in Fair Isle, I know how important the flights are for the communities living in Shetland's outer isles.

"Whether it's a new infant coming home, ill folk getting away to hospital, school bairns getting to spend time with their families, or the delivery of emergency supplies, the service has been an essential part of island life, and has come to mean much more than simply a way for folk to get in and out.

"Tingwall Airport has provided an important base for the inter-island flights over the years.

"I'd like to personally thank all the airport staff, past and present, for their hard work and dedication in managing the airport for the last 40 years, going above and beyond the call of duty on so many occasions."