Pressure is mounting for a regional air transport strategy for the Highlands and Islands as uncertainty continues over the future of air services serving Caithness.
The latest calls come as discussions continue over the future of the Wick to Aberdeen Public Service Obligation air route, with the current contract due to expire on 14 August.
Loganair has urged both the Scottish and UK governments to develop a long term strategy to support essential air services that are not commercially viable, following the loss of two island routes.
MSPs from across the political spectrum have also written to Transport Secretary Stephen Flynn, calling on the Scottish Government to lead the development of a regional air transport strategy to safeguard vital connections across the Highlands and Islands.
While the Scottish Government has stopped short of committing to lead the work, Far North MSP David Green recently met the Transport Secretary to discuss both the future of the Wick to Aberdeen route and the possibility of Public Service Obligation support for flights between Wick and Edinburgh.
Mr Green said officials had highlighted positive discussions with Highland Council over the future of the existing Wick service.
This week, SNP MSP Hannah Mary Goodlad and Scottish Green MSP Kristopher Leask also confirmed they are working with regional transport bodies to begin developing proposals aimed at improving regional connectivity.
David Green said:
“As one of the most rural mainland regions in the country, people in the Far North face exceptionally long and often unreliable journey times by road.
“Poor connectivity too often acts as a barrier to employers seeking to attract and retain people in the Highlands.
“For many patients, particularly elderly residents and those with complex medical needs, the inability to travel quickly and reliably can have a significant impact on both health outcomes and quality of life.
“These circumstances clearly meet the threshold for lifeline support.
“I was therefore grateful for the opportunity to put this case to the Transport Secretary and welcome his recognition of the case being made by Highland Council.
“However, with the deadline now approaching, swift action is needed.”
Mr Green said any future regional strategy must fully recognise the needs of Caithness.
He added:
“The growing calls for a regional air transport strategy for the Highlands and Islands represent a real moment of opportunity.
“However, the future of air services in Caithness cannot be treated as an afterthought.
“People in the North Highlands should not be placed at a disadvantage simply because of where they live.
“Getting that right will require leadership from government, of that there is no doubt.”
With just weeks remaining before the current Public Service Obligation contract expires, the future of scheduled air services from Wick remains a key issue for communities, businesses and passengers across the Far North.
