McArthur slams refusal to reintroduce ADS for island businesses

Orkney MSP Liam McArthur has criticised the Scottish Government’s decision not to reinstate the Air Discount Scheme for islands businesses.

The Air Discount Scheme was introduced in 2006 by then Transport Minister and Shetland MSP, Tavish Scott, to reduce the cost of lifeline air services for islanders.

While the scheme has continued since then, in 2011 the SNP Government decided to remove all business-related travel from being eligible for the support, by increasing travel costs for many isles-based businesses.

Last year Highlands and Islands Transport Partnership (HITRANS) and island councils called on the government to reintroduce ADS for business travel from the islands.

Mr McArthur has criticised the lack of consultation on the issue and said since the scheme was introduced, it has played a vital role in enabling island communities to remain better connected.

He said: “The decision in 2011 to cut ADS for business travel went against the grain of its founding principles, denying our island businesses a more level playing field.

Mr McArthur also said that a “long overdue u-turn” is needed on the issue and he will be continuing to make the care for a re-think. He added: “Ministers cannot be allowed to get away with stifling local businesses in this way.”