An expectant mother and father from Unst, the most northerly UK island off the coast of Scotland, called for a doctor in the early hours.
The doctor called in emergency assistance and the coastguard helicopter landed at around 6am this morning.
The helicopter was en route to the nearest maternity ward in Lerwick, which is 85.5 kilometres from Unst, but it seems the baby had other plans and was born mid flight at 6:30am.
The baby boy weighs around 7lbs and was taken to hospital upon landing in Lerwick at 6:40am.
Alex Dodge is the watch manager of the Shetland Coastguard and said, “This is the first time that a baby has been delivered on the Coastguard search and rescue helicopter based at Sumburgh in the Shetland Islands.
“We would like to congratulate the mother and father on the birth of their son, who is reported to be doing well.”
No name has been revealed for the boy who was delivered above a place called Lunna Holm by paramedic Marcus Wigfull and winch operator Friedie Manson.
