Captain Eric “Winkle” Melrose Brown Statue

If, like me, you're a frequent (or maybe not so frequent) visitor to Edinburgh Airport, you may have noticed that, close to the tram terminus that serves it, there is a statue of a man in a jumpsuit mid-stroll.

Representing Captain Eric Melrose Brown, also known as 'Winkle', the statue was unveiled on 2 July 2018. An initiative of the Edinburgh University Air Squadron Association, it honours Winkle Brown in particular for his breaking of world records in his post as a test pilot.

As explained by the information board next to the statue, Brown broke 3 world records. The most impressive one might be his having flown 487 different types of aircraft, a record that is thought to be “unlikely to ever be beaten”. His other 2 records correspond to aircraft carrier flights: 2721 catapult launches and 2407 succesful carrier deck landings.

While not a record, it is worth noting that Brown had 21 near-death experiences as a test pilot, most of these during the course of World War II, given that he was fully qualified as a fighter pilot in 1941. The reason behind his monument being located at this airport is that, as a Leith native, RAF Turnhouse was where he took his very first flight from, at the age of 8 (sitting on the knee of his father, also a pilot).

The attention to detail from sculptor David Annand is notable, the statue's clothing is easily distinguishable, as are the folded headguard and gloves held in its hands. It is also life-size, which helps explain why Captain Brown's nickname was Winkle.

Standing at 1.63 metres (5'4"), Brown was told he resembled a periwinkle, which stuck, at least partially. His short height would prove a surprising advantage, specially in reaching 21 near-death experiences, as he was able to escape plane wrecks more easily than taller pilots.

As far as airport features go, I think that, while Winkle's statue might seem like a small one, it makes perfect sense and really fits the bill for Edinburgh Airport. With its historical connections to this record-breaking pilot, it is a fitting tribute to not only the man himself, but to the history of RAF Turnhouse base, the predecesor to this modern airport.