Parking charges unfair to air travellers in Western Isles

By Gregg Adams

Rural island communities face new charges when using air transport links to mainland airports.

Highlands and Islands Airports is considering introducing car parking charges at its airports in Stornoway, Orkney and Shetland.

Highlands and Islands Airport say it had its budget cut by a million pounds by the Scottish Government and the charges are needed make up the shortfall.
Charges were due to be introduced this year but following a public outcry and now HIAL will consult over the issue.
Mairi McDonald from Stornoway told Hebrides Today: “They are just trying to make as much money as they can out of the travelling public.  The government already subsidise fares between Stornoway and the mainland and HIAL are forever announcing how busy the airport is here – do they think it would be this busy without that subsidy?

“HIAL should find other ways of raising funds rather than hitting communities who depend on a lifeline air service.”

Hebrides Today brings you the latest news from the Western Isles