This is why you may see a huge RAF plane over Edinburgh on Friday

A giant military transport plane will be carrying out “essential training” over the skies above Edinburgh this afternoon, the Royal Air Force has announced.

Residents might be able to spot the A400M Atlas cargo plane flying over the city this morning, as it performs exercises.

Three weeks ago, the RAF flew a C-17 - a military plane designed by Boeing - over Edinburgh, Newcastle and Birmingham as part of its crew’s training mission.

Now the Atlas, a 128 tonne behemoth, will make a similar trip over the city, before flying on to Shobdon and Gloucester.

Designed by Airbus to replace older transport planes, the huge aircraft, based at RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire, can carry more than 100 fully-equipped troops - as well as tactical vehicles and helicopters - inside its cargo hold.

In a tweet, the RAF told followers: “This morning, our A400M aircraft will be operating in the vicinity of Edinburgh, Shobdon and Gloucester, whilst engaged in essential training.

The Royal Air Force will be carrying out “essential training” over the skies above Edinburgh this afternoon, it has announced.

“These are necessary, routine, flights and not connected with RAF support to the UK's fight against Coronavirus.”

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