Visitor flights on agenda for Skye runway

Skye’s aerodrome was under the spotlight at a meeting of the Skye and Raasay committee.

Members heard that work is under way to review technical information by a cross-agency group involving Highland Council, Hitrans and Highlands and Islands Enterprise, with a view to developing an indicative airfield layout plan to support scheduled air services.

The aerodrome, near Broadford, is used by private and commercial aircraft and helicopters but was last used by passenger planes in 1988.

A campaign to reopen it strengthened after a business study showed it could be worth £47million to the local economy.

Committee members

“It was good to have the opportunity to look at plans”

also studied current commercial operation activities at the Skye aerodrome and approved changes to introduce revised tariffs.

These include the introduction of a landing loyalty card for customers offering a free fifth landing after four full price landings, and a set charge of £1,950 per day for the use of the aerodrome for filming, sporting and music events.

Members were also advised that £15,000 of maintenance work is expected to be carried out before the end of this financial year.

Area chairman John Gordon said: “It was good to have the opportunity today to look at making changes to improve the operational side of things and also look forward to the potential development of scheduled air services to and from Skye and get an update on how work to take this forward is progressing.”

He said scheduled flights would improve connectivity, offer greater access to markets and attract overseas visitors.