Politicians back Skye airport proposals
Politicians on Skye are supporting proposals to establish air services to and from the island, saying they would be an ‘enormous boost to the local economy’.
At a meeting of Skye and Raasay area committee last Monday June 4, councillors backed a new report which recommends creating a trial air link between Skye and Glasgow.
The report outlines the benefits of reintroducing scheduled air services to Skye and looks at building an affordable and sustainable airport, taking into account ‘constrained public sector finances’.
Councillors have backed setting up a working group, including representation from Highland Council, HITRANS, HIE, Highlands and Islands Airports Ltd, Transport Scotland and Loganair, to establish the capital and operational investment required to support the trial.
Chairman of the Isle of Skye and Raasay committee councillor John Gordon said: ‘The reintroduction of scheduled flights to Skye would be an enormous boost to our local economy. People want to come and visit our beautiful island and we want to make it as easy as possible for them to access everything we have to offer.
‘The proposed trial looks like a viable option. I thank council officers and our partners in HITRANS and HIE for their work to date and our committee looks forward to receiving regular updates on how plans are progressing.’
The study, based on the re-introduction of services to Broadford Airfield at Ashaig, would require investment in a terminal building approximately twice the size of the one at Barra Airport and a 100-space car park.
According to previous studies into Skye air travel, a 19-seat aircraft would be best for the service.
Constituency MSP for Skye Kate Forbes has said an airport with passenger flights on the island would be a ‘game-changer’ for Skye’s economy.
She believes that as well as benefiting from tourism, other businesses such as food and drink would also be well served from having such a vital air link.
Ms Forbes said: ‘Having a functioning, commercial airport in Skye would make an enormous difference to the local economy.
‘It has been a slow process to get to this stage, but I am absolutely delighted a working group will consider a trial to identify demand.
‘I am in no doubt Skye has huge potential, not just in terms of tourism but also other businesses like food and drink.
‘An airport allows for easier exports and travel for visitors, investors and locals.’
The Skye MSP said an airport on Skye is ‘much-needed’ and would not only ease the pressure on ailing roads but would make it easier for people to make weekend visits to the island.
‘It’s not just about tourism,’ MS Forbes continued, ‘and the Skye economy has got to diversify beyond tourism.
‘There is huge scope to diversify the Skye economy beyond the kind of tourism on which the island has depended for years. Whilst tourism is a golden goose just now, it’s a notoriously unpredictable industry and Skye airport could allow the west coast economy to be far more stable.’