It is one small step for Man and one giant leap for clan Mackay: the first Scot to go into space is planning to take his family tartan with him.
As a child growing up in the Highlands Dave Mackay used to stare up at the heavens and dream of leaving the earth. Decades later, at the age of 61, he is finally set to achieve his ambition.
This week Mr Mackay is scheduled to soar more than 50 miles above the planet as chief pilot of a test flight for Virgin Galactic, the private space travel company founded by Sir Richard Branson.
He is now based on the outskirts of the Mojave desert in California but will remember his roots by taking a
