Nissan's legendary Navara hits the runways
The Nissan Navara has been prepared to provide specialist services at airports across the Scottish Highlands, Northern Isles and Western Isles.
Highlands and Islands Airport Ltd has taken six of the durable and dependable pick-ups, adding them to 19 other Nissans on its 100-strong fleet, which includes everything from city cars, boats and minibuses to a 32-tonne airside fire appliance.
One Navara has been kitted out as a specialist fire command vehicle complete with blue light pack and ground to tower radio system and is now in operation with highly trained firefighters at Inverness Airport.
Another two examples have been fitted with specialist bird scaring equipment, including high decibel external speakers, and are being used to minimise the dangers and disruption caused by huge colonies of native birds at Sumburgh and Stornoway airports.
Paul Rodden, chief engineer and fleet manager at Highlands and Islands Airports, said: "We went through a procurement procedure three years ago and Nissan came out on top. They were the only manufacturer that could supply vehicles that met our brief."
He added: "This time around we needed vehicles that could cope with very demanding roles there's such an issue with seabird colonies at Stornoway, for example, that the bird control vehicles can cover 2,000 miles a month without ever leaving the airport. The Navara was our first choice."
With the choice of a 2.5-litre diesel engine that produces 187bhp and 450Nm of torque, or a 3.0-litre diesel V6 with 228bhp and 550Nm of torque, the Nissan Navara has the muscle for any job. It also offers a payload of up to 1250kg and a towing capacity of 3000kg, ensuring it can earn its keep as part of any fleet.