North isles airfields flying high on National Transport Awards shortlist

March 27, 2018 at 5:28 pm

Eday’s London Airport is one of six council-operated airfields in Orkney’s north isles which have collectively made it onto the shortlist for a national transport award. (picture: Len Garson)

Orkney’s council-operated airfields have been shortlisted for a national award.

The six North Isles airfields are up against Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Glasgow and Inverness airports in the Airport of the Year Award at the Scottish Transport Awards.

The Scottish Transport Awards recognise excellence in transport, rewarding innovation and progress for transport initiatives which are both working and driving progress.

To make it to the shortlist the entries in the Airport of the Year category have had to demonstrate excellence or significant improvement in overall performance or provision of facilities over the past 12 months. The winners will be announced at a ceremony in Glasgow on June 14.

Orkney Islands Council (OIC) operates airfields on Eday, North Ronaldsay, Papa Westray, Sanday, Stronsay, and Westray.

According to OIC, in addition to the level of service provided to the north isles, the nomination has also recognised the work done to put in new buildings, garages and other equipment over the past year or so, as well as the provision of modern firefighting equipment, runway resurfacing and airfield staff training.

Gavin Barr is the council’s director of development and infrastructure services. He said: “Orkney Islands Council is in a fairly unique position in operating council-owned airfields. Our airfields team has done a power of work over the last few years and I am delighted to see that hard work rewarded with a place at these prestigious awards.”

Graham Sinclair is chair of the council’s development and infrastructure committee. He said: “Last year we celebrated 50 years of council-owned airfields and this shortlisting is a great way to mark that. Our isles residents depend on this lifeline service and are justifiably proud of it, with many in fact employed as airfield attendants. I congratulate staff on this fantastic achievement, particularly where you see the size of the airports that we have been selected against.”

Roy Brannen, chief executive, Transport Scotland, said: “These Awards are a great opportunity to recognise the contribution by our professionals in improving and enhancing Scotland’s transport networks. Everyday Transport Scotland sees the effort, collaboration and results from everyone involved in providing a successful journey for Scotland’s travelling public, and I am delighted to be asked to take on the task of helping to judge and identify these nominated schemes that showcase the best approach.”