‘Delay clips the wings of an industry which drives economic growth’

Yesterday was a frustrating day for me and colleagues in the aviation industry in Scotland. There’s no other way of saying it.

The announcement on Air Departure Tax may not have been unexpected but it was unwelcome.

This discussion has gone on for too long without any meaningful outcome, and now that wait will go on.

We appreciate the legal issues around this and I know the Scottish and UK governments are only acting upon legal advice. But our understanding of the issue is that the current exemption is unlikely to be challenged and, even if it is, it’s likely to be found compatible with state aid rules.

All this delay does is clip the wings of an industry which drives economic growth.

Scottish airports met politicians from across the country and both parliaments in Edinburgh recently.

Unsurprisingly the proposed ADT cut -– at least it was then – was mentioned.

Some said it’s not needed because Scotland’s airports are flourishing – a point frequently made by opponents.

And that’s a real headscratcher for us business people. We should cap success? That’s what that means, right? Imagine Gregor Townsend pulling Stuart Hogg aside after scoring three tries against England: “That’s enough success for one game, Hoggy. Go easy, eh?” No, me neither.

So why cap success for our airports and our country? Why would we not make a move that will benefit our country and its residents whilst telling the rest of the world we’re open and welcoming? l Gordon Dewar is chief executive of Edinburgh Airport