Fresh concerns have been raised over the impact of Loganair’s decision to cut services from Inverness, with Orkney MSP Liam McArthur accusing the airline of failing to properly consider the consequences for island patients travelling for medical treatment.
Speaking during a session of the Scottish Parliament’s Transport Committee, Mr McArthur challenged claims made by Loganair executives that steps had been taken to minimise the impact of the route reductions, particularly for people relying on vital health services.
The issue has become increasingly significant for island communities following the establishment of the National Treatment Centre in Inverness, which provides specialist orthopaedic and ophthalmology services for patients from across the Highlands and Islands.
Evidence heard by the committee suggested that health boards were given no advance notice before the airline announced the changes, raising concerns about the effect on patients, staffing and healthcare delivery.
Representatives from island health boards also warned that the loss of services could increase waiting times and lead to additional costs through overnight accommodation requirements and the use of locum staff.
Mr McArthur said the consequences would be felt far beyond Orkney.
Liam McArthur said:
“The impact of these cuts on patients in Orkney, but also across the Northern and Western Isles, is going to be serious, with Inverness now home to the National Treatment Centre for orthopaedics and ophthalmology.
“Loganair cannot claim to have mitigated the impact on patients while also admitting that no consultation with health boards took place ahead of taking this decision.
“If that conversation had taken place, the retained timetable would better reflect the realities of health-related travel for island patients.
“Orkney patients travelling for certain surgeries will face an arduous and uncomfortable onwards journey from Aberdeen, compounded by an increased need for overnight stays.
“Loganair must work with health boards to see what can be done to mitigate the impact of the cuts over the summer.
“Longer term though, islanders need the Scottish Government to lead efforts to develop a strategy for lifeline air services across the Highlands & Islands.”
For many island residents, air links are not simply a matter of convenience but a vital connection to healthcare, employment, education and essential services.
The concerns raised at Holyrood highlight the wider debate over how lifeline transport services should operate across the Highlands and Islands, particularly as communities continue to rely on routes that connect some of Scotland’s most remote areas.
While attention is currently focused on the immediate impact of the Inverness service reductions, the discussion has also reignited calls for a longer term strategy to safeguard air connections that many island communities view as essential rather than optional.
As scrutiny of the route changes continues, pressure is likely to remain on both Loganair and the Scottish Government to demonstrate how the needs of island residents will be protected in the months and years ahead.
