Members of Orkney’s Visually Impaired People’s Group have renewed calls for air services between Orkney and Inverness to be restored, warning the loss of flights is creating additional challenges for people travelling to essential ophthalmology appointments.

The concerns were raised during a meeting with Orkney MSP Liam McArthur at the St Magnus Centre, where members also highlighted a range of wider issues affecting people living with serious sight loss.

The group said the reduction in air services has increased uncertainty, inconvenience and travel costs for patients who rely on specialist eye care in Inverness.

Alongside concerns over transport, members spoke about the barriers they continue to face in everyday life, saying the needs of people with serious sight loss are too often overlooked when buildings, road crossings and technology are designed.

They pointed to difficulties using equipment such as smart meters and cash machines, as well as navigating public spaces that are not always accessible.

Following the meeting, Liam McArthur said:

“I am very grateful to the VIP group for taking the time to share with me their experiences.

“I came away from the discussion with a much better understanding of the sorts of challenges those with serious sight loss face within our community.

“It was a reminder of the key role the VIP group plays in providing advice, support and companionship for those affected by sight loss.

“This practical and pastoral support can be particularly important for those coming to terms with a recent diagnosis.

“A number of the practical suggestions made by VIP group members about where improvements might be made are ones I plan to take up with local businesses and service providers.

“It was no great surprise, of course, to hear real concerns about the removal of air services on the Inverness route.

“The cuts to these lifeline routes mean patients attending ophthalmology appointments in Inverness face greater uncertainty, inconvenience and costs.

“On the back of yesterday’s meeting, I have written once again to the Transport Secretary urging him to ensure that a resolution is reached so that these vital air services, including those between Orkney and Shetland, can be reinstated as quickly as possible.”

The Visually Impaired People’s Group provides advice, support and companionship for people living with sight loss across Orkney.

Members hope the issues raised during the meeting will lead to improvements in accessibility and renewed efforts to restore the affected air services, which they say remain an important lifeline for island communities.