Strikes set to shut six Scottish airports

Six airports are to shut at various times over three days as air traffic controllers strike in a dispute over pay.

Prospect union members are resuming industrial action, having rejected a revised pay deal from Highlands and Islands Airports Limited (Hial).

Inverness Airport will be shut to air traffic on Sunday, and Sumburgh and Kirkwall Airports on Monday as union members stage 24-hour strikes.

On Tuesday, Stornoway, Benbecula and Dundee Airports will be closed.

Hial said the offer rejected by air traffic controllers comprised a retention allowance which would have seen them benefit from an additional £10,000 over a five-year period.

Managing director Inglis Lyon said: “We wish to find a resolution to this dispute as soon as possible and would urge Prospect to sit down with us once again to find some common ground on which we can arrive at a negotiated settlement.

“Our position has been consistent throughout. We can only deliver an affordable settlement within the terms of Public Sector Pay Policy.

“So far, Prospect has continued to ask for a pay increase far in excess of what we are able to afford and that unfortunately remains the situation.”