Lifeline air services linking Inverness with Orkney, Shetland and the Western Isles must be protected, according to Orkney MSP Liam McArthur.
The call comes after Loganair announced plans to reduce services on the Inverness to Kirkwall to Sumburgh and Inverness to Stornoway routes, citing rising costs and an unsustainable operating environment.
Mr McArthur has now met with Loganair management and urged the airline to recognise its responsibility to maintain services that many island residents depend on for healthcare, work, education and family connections.
The MSP said the proposed reductions would have a significant impact on island communities and warned that connectivity between Orkney and Shetland could also be affected.
Mr McArthur said:
“These are significant cuts to a lifeline service that will have a serious impact on those who rely on the route, including many NHS patients, while also undermining connectivity between Orkney and Shetland.
“I made clear to the First Minister my expectation that HIAL engages constructively to reach a solution that protects these services.
“But Loganair also need to accept their responsibility as providers of a lifeline service supported by high levels of public subsidy.
“Historically, an approach has been taken by Loganair that recognises that more profitable routes help support delivery across the network.
“But these proposed cuts along with seasonal consolidation of the Orkney and Shetland routes give rise to concerns that the overall Loganair network doesn’t meet islanders’ needs.
“With fares also going up, these lifeline services are becoming more inaccessible for more island residents and businesses.
“I believe a strategic review of air services across the Highlands & Islands region is overdue and have supported cross party calls for this to take place.
“Any review will take time, however, and in the meantime it’s islanders who are losing out.
“They need Loganair, HIAL and Scottish Government to work collaboratively to protect these lifeline services”.
The debate over the future of regional air services has intensified in recent weeks, with concerns growing over the long term sustainability of routes that many island communities regard as essential links to the mainland.
