Air discount scheme extended to 2019

The Air Discount Scheme (ADS) is being renewed for a further four years.

The scheme, which offers a significant discount on air fares for travellers from remote communities including Orkney, was due to expire on March 31. However, minister for transport and islands, Derek Mackay, has confirmed that Scottish Government funding will see it extended until the March 31, 2019.

The Air Discount Scheme offers a 40 per cent discount on core air fares on eligible routes for residents of Orkney and other areas, such as Caithness, Shetland and the Western Isles.

The Scottish Government have also released figures showing that, out of the 18,046 residents in Orkney eligible for the scheme, 16,771 or 93 per cent, hold an ADS memberships.