Northern Isles MSPs press ministers on air service costs and reliability

The cost and reliability of lifeline air services to the Northern Isles were the subject of exchanges in the Scottish Parliament this afternoon.

The minister for transport and islands, Derek Mackay, was asked by Orkney’s MSP, Liam McArthur, to carry out a scoping study into options for improving the reliability of air services, while Shetland MSP, Tavish Scott, reiterated calls for cuts made to the Air Discount Scheme (ADS) to be reversed.

Commenting on the exchanges, Mr McArthur said: “The campaign on the cost of our lifeline air services has gone from strength to strength.  It highlights growing concern about the impact these costs are having on local people in our islands.

“At the same time, islanders are having to contend with a lack of reliability, which is also crucial in any lifeline provision.  I know from the many, many constituents who have been in touch that delays and cancellations are causing not just inconvenience but serious problems, including the loss of business and job opportunities.

“The minister has agreed to meet me and Tavish Scott next week.  Ahead of that meeting, he has accepted the need to undertake a study on possible options for improving reliability.  I look forward to discussing this with him next Tuesday, assuming my flight gets in on time!”

Tavish Scott added: “The immediate step that the Scottish Government could take to reduce air fares for some would be to reverse the cuts they have made to ADS. That would be a big help to apprentices from the islands and others who have been excluded from a scheme they were previously entitled to use.

“I congratulate Scott Preston’s campaign and believe that Flybe have to pay attention to the groundswell of support for lower air fares”.