It was only seven years after the first ever powered flight by the Wright brothers that, in 1910, the Royal Burgh of Lanark hosted Scotland's first ever Air Show.

Indeed, it was only the second ever held in the entire United Kingdom and only two years after the first flight had been made in Britain.

It was in August of that year, almost a century ago now, that the town's Racecourse buzzed to the sound of early, primitive aircraft engines rather than the thunder of hooves.

Turned into the 'Lanark Aviation Ground' — the words airfield or airport had not even been invented yet — international aviation pioneers gathered to compete in a series of competitions and record-breaking flights over seven days, attracting an amazing 200,000 to the town to see these original Magnificent Men in their Flying Machines.

To put it into modern perspective, that is almost three times more people than attend T-in-the-Park every year and they even had to build a new railway station at Lanark Racecourse to cope with the influx of spectators!

Now a group of Lanarkians is being assembled to ensure that the Lanark Airshow Centenary celebrations in two year's time attract the same headlines for the Royal Burgh the original spectacle did.

A preliminary meeting of those interested in marking the event has been called by local history and aviation enthusiast Brian East, on Thursday, May 29, at 7.30pm in the ALVO offices, 2 Hope Street, Lanark.

Said Brian this week: "August 2010 will be the centenary of this historic event.

"Because of its immense importance in aviation history and in the history of Lanark, it is proposed to hold this preliminary meeting to decide how the occasion might be marked and celebrated.

"All those interested in putting forward ideas and who would be prepared to help organise and make active contributions towards such celebrations, are invited to attend.

"With all the amazing developments that have taken place in the last century of flight, militarily, commercially and privately, the possibilities of what might be arranged are endless.

"There will be, without doubt, many enthusiasts who will be inspired to make suggestions and take the opportunity to contribute."