A mystery Boeing 747 which appeared to be circling Na h-Eileanan an Iar yesterday (Wednesday) was a test flight from Hamburg Airport, Germany.

Isles MP Angus MacNeil made inquiries after the appearance of the aircraft on flight scanner websites caused a flurry of speculation on social media. Not only were people watching it online but it could be seen from the ground as it repeatedly flew over the Minch.

Mr MacNeil said: “The movement of this aircraft over Na h-Eileanan an Iar caused a lot of discussion and the explanation from NATS was that this was a Boeing 747 on a test flight.

“The islands may have been used for test flights before but we didn’t necessarily know about them without computer apps.”

He added: “I hope the pilots enjoyed the stunning views over the islands yesterday and maybe that explains why they chose to keep circling again and again!”

The plane circled for more than an hour before returning to Hamburg. It is understood that the aircraft is owned by a Saudi Arabian airline.