MSPs repeat calls for 50 per cent ADS discount

Orkney and Shetland MSPs Liam McArthur and Tavish Scott have repeated calls for Scottish ministers to bring down the cost of fares on lifeline air services to and from Northern Isles.

This following a meeting, this afternoon, between Mr McArthur and Mr Scott and Scott and Phoebe Preston, whose social media campaign on this issue has attracted significant support from people living in all three main island groups in Scotland.

Tavish Scott said: “The Fair Fares campaign has pressed the Scottish Government for a higher rate of Air Discount Scheme (ADS). I agree. We need everyone to help in reducing the costs we all pay. So the Scottish Government could respond positively to the campaign’s pressure by increasing the ADS rate from 40 to 50 per cent. That is allowed by EU rules as is reintroducing island based businesses into the scheme which would help the economy of all the islands.”

Liam McArthur added: “Improving the reliability of our lifeline air services remains the priority, but affordability is also a key issue.  That is why I have been so impressed by the Fair Fares campaign, led by Scott and Phoebe Preston, which has already led to concessions being made by Loganair.

“More, though, needs to be done by all those with a role to play.  This includes Scottish Ministers, who must now heed the growing calls for increased support under the Air Discount Scheme.  ADS at 50 per cent, rather than 40 per cent, for example, would go a long way to improving affordability on our lifeline routes.”