The inaugural flight connecting Amsterdam to Dundee touched down with a traditional water cannon welcome.

The sound of bagpipes greeted the first inbound passengers on the city's new European connection to Amsterdam Airport Schipol, operated by Flybe.

The Dutch capital, as well as being a popular European destination, is a global transport hub with connections to the rest of the world and the new route is expected to provide a major economic boost.

A host of dignitaries, including a number of Oor Wullies, were at Dundee Airport to mark the milestone.

Dundee Lord Provost Bob Duncan, said seeing the arrival of the city's first flight from a European destination "sent a tingle up my spine."

He said: "Its arrival marks a staging post on a journey that has already seen a huge amount of time and effort put in by many people in public and commercial bodies.

"As the civic head of Dundee, and on behalf of the city council, I totally support this initiative that gives business and leisure travellers access to Dundee from one of the world's great hub airports."

The route is also expected to bring economic benefits to the city and its businesses.

Wilco Vlarr, regional manager of Dundee-based learning and development company Insights, was one of the first passengers to arrive from Amsterdam.

He said: "I was very excited to hear about the new Flyee route to Dundee and knew I had to be on the first flight.

"While all our global teams work well together, any opportunity for a face-to-face connection with colleagues and clients is a huge boost."

To mark the occasion he cycled to Schiphol through some of Amsterdam's most iconic sites, then set off cycling from Dundee Airport along the banks of the River Tay to Insights' Global HQ, in the city's Science and Technology Park, where he delivered a bunch of tulips to the reception desk.

The service will operate up to six days a week all year round for as little as £24.99 each way, and was made possible through UK Government's Regional Air Connectivity Fund.

Scotland Office minister Andrew Dunlop also attended the welcome party at Dundee Airport and said: "I am really pleased that the UK Government has been able to invest in Flybe's new Dundee to Amsterdam route, giving Dundee great links to Europe and beyond.

"The city and Tayside are on the up, with exciting new developments poised to bring jobs, prosperity and opportunities to the area.

"Good air connectivity is a key part of supporting that economic development."

Transport minister Humza Yousaf said: "This high-profile service is exciting news for Dundee and I'm delighted to see it get off the ground today.

"Having a link to Schiphol, a major global hub airport, will bring huge benefits to businesses in Dundee and across the catchment area by improving access to global markets.

"It's also another route for inbound travellers looking for a taste of the fantastic tourist experience on offer in Scotland."

Vincent Hodder, Flybe's chief revenue officer said: "We have been overwhelmed by the enthusiasm and support with which this new route has been received and look forward to it going from strength to strength.

"We are honoured to be the first airline to provide Dundee travellers with this crucial international air link."

Inglis Lyon, managing director, Highlands and Islands Airports, which runs Dundee Airport, said: "This new route is a great example of stakeholders and partners, governments and the local people, working together to secure investment and deliver essential connectivity.

"It brings an undisputed, exciting, pan European feel to Dundee and the surrounding area."

Full details of the new route can be found on Flybe's website.