Situated on the outskirts of Edinburgh, Scotland's capital city, Hillend is arguably one of the country's most interesting sites to fly. The site sits in the middle of Edinburgh Air Traffic Control, in order to allow flying local pilots have negotiated with ATC special arrangements to allow access to this superb site. Small soaring site with magnificent views of the capital city when flown on the north side.

Both take off areas are on large grassy hill sides but also have large areas of thick gorse which can (and do) easily catch your lines. The landing site is a flat, grassy area to the East of the chairlift (please have a look before you fly as it is not visible from either take off). This landing option can be turbulent in a strong SE wind. The ground to the west of the ski centre and south of the golf course offers a large but rough landing option best suited to lower airtime pilots.The golf course can be used in an emergency but beware of golfers, pack up quickly on the side of the fairway and offer your thanks and/or apologies to any golfers present. ** Note that the ski slope is being extended so for now the landing is to the West of the the ski slope, just next to the golf course ** From the A702 just off the Edinburgh City by-pass. Travel south towards Penicuik then turn into the Midlothian Ski Centre (aka Hillend). It is essential that the first pilot at the hill calls Edinburgh Air Traffic Control to seek permission to fly. The last pilot must also call to close the permission. Call 0131 333 6239 and state you are a Paraglider or Hang-glider pilot requesting permission to fly Hillend Paragliding zone. You should be given height clearance and asked for a contact mobile telephone number. Occasionally permission is refused (poor visibility, special flight plans etc) please do not be tempted to fly anyway as you can be seen from the control tower. If you have any doubts, it is a good idea to seek permission from ATC before you walk up the hill. It is essential that the first pilot at the hill calls Edinburgh Air Traffic Control to seek permission to fly. The last pilot must also call to close the permission. Call 0131 333 6239 and state you are a Paraglider or Hang-glider pilot requesting permission to fly Hillend Paragliding zone. You should be given height clearance and asked for a contact mobile telephone number. Occasionally permission is refused (poor visibility, special flight plans etc) please do not be tempted to fly anyway as you can be seen from the control tower. If you have any doubts, it is a good idea to seek permission from ATC before you walk up the hill.