THE tale of how a Scottish pilot brought down a German plane over East Lothian, in the first air engagement over British airspace during the Second World War, may be taken to the stage.

Renowned artist and arts promoter Richard Demarco has expressed an interest in turning the story of Flt Lieutenant Pat Gifford’s heroics into a drama, or possibly even a musical.

Mr Demarco met members of the East Lothian Coastal Regeneration Forum during a recent talk, when he recounted his own memories of German planes arriving on the east coast.

And he said he would like to work with the group, which has researched the history of the air raid.

Flt Lieutenant Gifford was hailed a hero after he brought down a German plane off the coast at Port Seton on October 16, 1939.

The experienced pilot, who led the Red Section of the 603 Auxiliary Squadron in their attack on the bomber, was later given the Distinguished Flying Cross.

Many people in Port Seton remember the day the Germans carried out an air raid over the East Lothian coast.

Mr Demarco, who grew up in Portobello, recalled being on the beach as the battle raged in the skies.

And he revealed how he was almost hit with a stray bullet from one of the Spitfires as they took on the bombers.

Local researcher David Ostler, who led the campaign to have a memorial to Flt Lt Gifford placed in the county, attended the talk Mr Demarco was giving in his home town.

Mr Ostler told the Courier: “Mr Demarco undertook to work further with the group, and talked about bringing a music or drama production to the Edinburgh International Arts Festival.

“It is a very interesting idea.” To find out more about the first UK air raid and Pat Gifford go to spitfire-project.com