A STUNNING photograph shows the moment a Scots photographer tricked the world famous Red Arrows into featuring in a couple’s wedding photographs.
The Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team have been displaying since 1965 but aren’t permitted to perform flypasts for weddings, birthdays or funerals.
But on Saturday one photographer gained access to the roof of Edinburgh’s iconic Balmoral Hotel to capture a once in a lifetime shot of the jets passing overhead newlyweds.
The image shows nine jets lighting up Edinburgh’s sky red, white and blue in a flyby for the Royal Military Tattoo, as the couple stand proudly beneath.
Dressed in a full wedding gown and kilt, Jenna and Andrew Luscombe can be seen beaming from ear-to-ear as they overlook the city’s medieval Old Town.
Landmarks including the 1905 Scotsman Hotel building, Waverley Train Station and the City Art Centre are in the breathtaking background of the unique shot.
Photographer Jonathon Fowler said: “On Friday I read that the RAF Red Arrows would be doing a flypast the following evening over Edinburgh Castle for the the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo.
“According to the Red Arrows website, ‘the team are not permitted to carry out flypasts for
weddings, funerals or birthdays.
“With that in mind, and the thrill of creating a truly unique photo, I discussed the possibility of trying my best to capture a photo of newlyweds Jenna and Andrew up on the roof of The Balmoral Hotel as the formation flew past.
“Nothing ventured, nothing gained, Jenna and Andrew were up for it.
“I wasn’t sure how high the aircraft would fly, and if I’d be able to capture the newlyweds and the jets in one frame, or if the weather would mean the flypast would be cancelled, but at 19.20 we were up on the roof and waiting patiently.
“Right on time, you could hear the fast jets approaching.”
The trio were granted special access to the roof by the hotel.
The photo was posted online, quickly receiving almost 5,000 likes and being shared hundreds of times across Facebook.
Ainslie Blyth wrote: “Absolutely amazing photo. Definitely once in a lifetime opportunity, Well done.”
Robbie Knox said: “Special picture. Not many people got that as a wedding picture.”
And Pat Tait wrote: “Fabulous, you captured it beautifully. That’s one wedding photograph to be cherished.”
The Balmoral Hotel officially opened in 1902 and for most of the twentieth century was known as the North British Station Hotel.
It has become a go-to hotel for celebrities including Beyonce, Oprah and even had a visit from comedy duo Laurel and Hardy in 1932.
In 2007, J.K Rowling revealed she finished Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows in the hotel and even signed a marble bust in her room to signify the milestone.
The room has since been renamed the “J.K. Rowling Suite,” and costs almost £1,000 per night to stay in.
Based at RAF Scampton in Lincolnshire, the Red Arrows had flown 4,725 displays in 56 countries as of the end of 2015 – the squadron’s 51st season.
