New study under way into possibility of Skye flights

a successful and competitive region. Air services from and to small rural airports can play a key role in the communities they serve, creating a sense of connectedness, providing lifeline services and supporting economic growth.

‘Skye is served by the road bridge and by ferry services, but it is over two hours from the nearest airport and at least a five hour drive to the central belt.

‘We need to be clear about the full extent of the benefits of reintroducing a regular air service for the island and surrounding area as this will help inform the business case to re- establish the service.’

Ian Blackford, MP for Ross, Skye and Lochaber and a member of FlySkye, a group campaigning to reopen the Ashaig airstrip to commercial flights, attended on Wednesday, although a spokesman for the group said not enough had been done to engage with other relevant groups and individuals.

He said: ‘ The third person involved with FlySkye was not consulted, nor invited.

‘This is quite unacceptable, particularly as the third person is the one who has connected with so many others on social media. Between Twitter and Facebook, we have 3,500 followers. They are all potential ‘stakeholders’ and did not have the opportunity to attend.’

A spokesman for HIE confirmed both Mr Blackford and Boyd Robasdan, another member of FlySkye, attended the meeting and the study will consult with other businesses and organisations on a ‘one-toone basis’.

Loganair operated flights at Skye’s existing airstrip at Ashaig, Broadford, from its opening in 1972 until it was disbanded in 1988.