Na h-Eileanan an Iar MSP Alasdair Allan and MP Angus MacNeil have today welcomed the announcement from the Scottish Government that the Air Discount Scheme, which offers a significant discount on air fares for travellers from island communities, will be increased to 50%.
The announcement was made by Minister for Transport and Islands Derek Mackay at the islands debate in parliament today. 50% is the maximum allowed under the terms of the scheme and will apply to tickets booked on or after 1 January. This increase comes after Mr Mackay announced earlier this year the scheme was being extended to 2019.
Mr Mackay today also announced a total freeze on ferry fares for 2016/17 across the Scottish Government subsidised services – including passengers, cars and commercial vehicles.
The debate today follows the launch of the Islands Bill consultation last week which included proposals that could see additional powers, stronger representation at Holyrood and the creation of a National Islands Plan.
Commenting, Alasdair Allan said:
“Today’s statement from the Islands Minister showed a real commitment to tackling the issues that face Scotland’s islands communities. Particularly welcome in the Western Isles will be the new commitment to freeze ferry fares for 2016/17 and to increase the Government’s support for the ADS scheme from 40% to 50% on airline ticket prices.
“These measures, taken together with the development of an islands bill to give islanders a more direct say in the running of their communities, represent real progress.
“This is another clear commitment by the SNP Government to making life better in all of Scotland’s 93 inhabited islands.”
Mr MacNeil said:
“This is a further fantastic step taken by the SNP Government in respect of islands. Island transportation has been a serious issue since the SNP took power. We have seen RET; a new ferry to Lewis; all island ports to mainland ports getting daily ferries next summer; RET on Sounds of Barra and Harris this October, two new planes for the Barra/Tiree routes and now today, the other airports, not served by a PSO, seeing ADS rising to 50%.”
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