Concerns over the future of vital air links between the Highlands and Islands have prompted a rare show of cross party unity at Holyrood.

MSPs from four political parties have joined forces to urge the Scottish Government to take action following proposed changes to key Loganair services linking island communities with Inverness.

The move comes after Loganair announced plans that would significantly reduce services on the Sumburgh, Kirkwall and Inverness route, as well as flights between Stornoway and Inverness.

For many island residents, these services are more than just transport links.

They provide access to hospital appointments, business opportunities, family connections and essential public services that would otherwise require lengthy and often complicated journeys.

A joint letter has now been sent to Economy, Tourism and Transport Secretary Stephen Flynn calling for the development of a long term regional air strategy.

The letter was coordinated by Scottish Greens MSP Kristopher Leask and has been signed by SNP MSP Hannah-Mary Goodlad, Liberal Democrat MSP Liam McArthur and Labour MSP Donald MacKinnon.

Regional transport partnerships HITRANS and ZETTRANS have also backed the call.

Kristopher Leask said:

“These cuts could have a devastating impact.

“A lot of people across our Island communities rely on these flight routes to access hospital appointments and other vital services.

“They are also vital for transient workers and local businesses, as well as people who have remote families to support.

“The fact that this letter has been signed by MSPs from across the political spectrum shows the huge importance that we all put on ensuring a long-term plan that can help to sustain and enhance our rural and island communities.

“It is incredibly encouraging to see the willingness to engage collaboratively on an issue of shared priority from across parties alongside our regional transport partnerships right at the start of this parliament.

“I thank and commend my co-signatories for their support.

“We want to work with the Scottish Government to do all that we can to support them in delivering a regional air service that is fit for purpose and focussed on delivering for our communities.”

The concerns highlight the unique transport challenges faced by many Highland and Island communities, where air travel often plays a crucial role in daily life.

Campaigners argue that maintaining reliable and affordable regional air services is essential not only for residents but also for economic growth, tourism and the long term sustainability of some of Scotland’s most remote communities.

The Scottish Government has yet to respond formally to the proposals, but pressure is growing for a wider strategy to secure the future of lifeline air services across the Highlands and Islands.

Text of letter from MSPs to Cabinet Secretary

Loganair and regional air services in the Highlands & Islands

Dear Cabinet Secretary,

Firstly, congratulations on your appointment. The Highlands & Islands have a unique and crucial perspective on matters relating to transport, many of which we share common ground on with cross-party support, and all recognise the vital lifeline services which sustain rural and island communities. 

As cross-party elected representatives from across the Highlands and Islands, and from islands ourselves, we are collectively writing to you with concern about the planned reduction in Loganair services between Shetland, Orkney, Inverness, and Stornoway which we are sure you will be familiar with. 

We all recognise that our regional rural air services require longer term consideration and reform, but in the short term we would encourage you to consider the following points. 

Firstly, we welcome your engagement with Loganair and Highlands and Islands Airport Limited (HIAL) together on the immediate issue of a proposed reduction in capacity on the Sumburgh-Kirkwall-Inverness and Stornoway-Inverness routes. 

Secondly, we ask for your commitment to work with us on a wider regional air strategy which addresses the long-term viability and deliverability of vital lifeline routes across our region. This commitment was previously made in the National Transport Strategy, however the resulting Aviation Policy Statement does not address the need for holistic review of how we deliver these services.  

These essential routes service vital intra-regional transport connections which are essential for health services, transient workers, and local businesses. Beyond that, we stress the need to consider our regional air links holistically in partnership with HITRANS and ZETTRANS and ask that you convene a meeting with us and our two regional transport partnerships to collectively resolve these long running issues.

We look forward to your response and offer our support in delivering a regional air service that is fit for purpose and focussed on delivering for our communities. 

Kristopher Leask MSP          Hannah-Mary Goodlad MSP

Liam McArthur MSP Donald MacKinnon MSP

Cllr Uisdean Robertson – Chair of HITRANS

Cllr Moraig Lyall – Chair of ZETTRANS