Loganair take over Highland airways inter-island route

air of Transportation Committee, Councillor Donald Manford said:

“I am delighted that a speedy resolution has been agreed following the announcement that Highland Airways had gone into administration.  Comhairle nan Eilean Siar has terminated their contract with Highland Airways.  Loganair have been awarded an interim contract and a new service will commence on Monday 29th March 2010 with minor alterations to the timetable”

Western Isles SNP MSP, Alasdair Allan, today raised the future of lifeline air services in Scotland’s island communities at First Minister’s Questions, following the news that Highland Airways has gone into administration.

Speaking at First Minister’s Questions, Alasdair Allan asked the First Minister if the Scottish Government would now work to ensure vital air services were maintained and that assistance would be offered to the company’s 100 strong workforce.

Alasdair Allan commented:

“Today’s news is obviously deeply concerning for many of Scotland’s islands, given the essential role which Highland Airways have in these communities. I took the opportunity at First Minister’s Questions today to seek some assurances about what the Scottish Government is doing in this difficult situation.

“First Minister, Alex Salmond, responded that, over the course of the next few days, the Transport Minister would be confirming details of how existing flights would be maintained. The First Minister confirmed that ensuring this happened was a high priority for the Government. He also said that Skills Development Scotland and other agencies were already working to provide support and advice to the workforce.

“I will continue to pursue this issue as I know people throughout the islands need information on this troubling situation.”

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