Praise for airline campaigners

Orkney’s MSP Liam McArthur has paid tribute to local campaigners as Loganair announced its new compassionate fare discount.

Scott and Phoebe Preston, from Shetland, launched an online facebook campaign in June calling on a better deal for islanders flying with Loganair. The campaign has attracted over 15,000 followers.

Mr McArthur, along with his Liberal Democrat colleague Tavish Scott MSP, met with Scott and Phoebe Preston at the Scottish Parliament in July where they through their support behind the fair flights campaign.

The campaign has led to the announcement that Loganair will introduce a new compassionate travel policy on its 19 Scottish routes to give eligible customers access to a 50% discounted fare in times of a family emergency.

Commenting, Mr McArthur said: “I know people in Orkney will welcome this new cheaper fare.  Those traveling at the last minute due to a family bereavement are particularly vulnerable to very high costs. So this move by Loganair will be offer help at a time when it is badly needed.

“This win for the islands is a direct result of pressure put on Loganair by thousands of islanders who joined the campaign launched by Scott and Phoebe Preston. I would like to thank everyone who took time to support the campaign, but particularly Scott and Phoebe.

“The campaign continues, however, for improved reliability and affordability of our vital air services. The Transport Minister has indicated to me that he is now actively looking at the option of increasing ADS support, which would be a vital saving for islanders. Action, however, is needed.”