Wishart blasts Ministers for lack of action on air travel review

Scottish Liberal Democrat and Shetland MSP Beatrice Wishart has written to the Scottish Government questioning their lack of action on the Highlands and Islands Air Discount Scheme after almost a year since the publishing of Transport Scotland's Aviation Statement which made the following commitment:

Improved connectivity in the Highlands and Islands

Action to deliver this outcome: Review the Highlands and Islands Air Discount Scheme – which offers a reduction in air fare costs for eligible Highlands and Islands residents – to consider how it could be made fairer and more effective, and to ensure it is providing value for money.

Writing to Jim Fairlie MSP, Minister for Connectivity, Wishart stated:

“You are aware that transport costs are prohibitively expensive for islanders who are at the mercy of air and sea links. With the lifeline ferry costs rising by 10% last January, which an FOI revealed the level of increase was requested by the Scottish Government not Northlink Ferries or CMAL, and a lack of competition on the air route, transport costs mean that for many islanders they are restricted in how many times they can travel annually. This has an impact on business, cultural pursuits, attendance at family events and limits opportunities that others living on Mainland Scotland may take for granted. It is also encourages depopulation as people tell me that due to increasing transport costs they can no longer afford to live in Shetland and maintain relationships with friends and family living elsewhere in the UK.

“I would appreciate it if you would let me know when a review will begin, how my constituents can contribute to the process, and what a timeline of this review will look like.”

Wishart has been following progress on the Highlands and Islands Air Discount Scheme in a series of written questions to the Scottish Government.

On the lack of action, Wishart commented:

“Once again, this SNP Government is dragging its feet, proving how out of touch it is with Scotland’s islands.

“Air travel to the isles is an important part of our connection to the rest of Scotland for so many reasons from business trips to family events. It is often the faster and more convenient form of travel at short notice.

“With such high costs between Mainland Scotland and Shetland, and a lack of competition on the route, islanders are grateful for the Air Discount Scheme though many would like it to go further.

“The Scottish Government should get into gear and get this review off the ground. Islanders should not be left strung along like this.”