I would like to take issue with the description which Jack-oh provided about the INV event.
The plane was hired under false pretences by someone claiming to have a PPL.
The pilot had unfortunetly due to medical reasons lost his flying rights (he now holds a NPPL)
Instead of a check ride for the aircraft hire the pilot agreed to go along as a safety pilot and local guide. He was current and regularly went flying with an instructor safety pilot.
The person who had hired the aircraft asked him if he would fly it so the person could take photos. And the pilot was more than happy to fly.
After going and taking photos the pilot asked the person who hired it, to fly because he was now knackard. They then announced that they couldn't fly.
The pilot had in the past held a IMC rating.
Unfortunatly the wx came in and they had to go IMC to get back to inverness. The pilot was put in the position which he wouldn't have elected to be in if he knew the deception which had been used.
The pilot was taken to court and also the school which hired the plane. The person who hired the plane reported them for public transport after he was refused a refund when his photos didn't come out.
And the lesson learnt is never trust anyone who wants to take photos and you don't know. Bird spotters are always chancing there luck as well.
MJ