Island MSPs welcome action to protect lifeline flights
Kristopher Leask MSP and Hannah-Mary Goodlad MSP have welcomed the Scottish Government's decision to provide funding to safeguard lifeline air services for Scotland's island communities, following weeks of cross-party campaigning to protect the routes.
Kristopher, who lives on Orkney and is a Scottish Green MSP for the Highlands & Islands, has been working with SNP MSP for Shetland, Hannah Mary Goodlad, to press Ministers to intervene after Loganair announced plans in June to significantly reduce island connections.
As part of that effort, Kristopher coordinated a joint letter from island MSPs to the Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Tourism and Transport, Stephen Flynn, urging the Scottish Government to act to protect these vital lifeline services.
The Scottish Government has now confirmed funding to safeguard the routes, providing reassurance to island communities that depend on them.
Kristopher and Hannah-Mary have also begun work with regional transport bodies to map out the first steps towards a regional air transport plan for the Highlands and Islands.
Scottish Green MSP Kristopher Leask said:
“This is a very welcome announcement, and there will be families and communities across our islands breathing a sigh of relief.
“These flights are lifeline services. People rely on them to get to vital hospital appointments and access essential services. They support local businesses and workers, and help local people to stay connected with loved ones.
"From the outset, I've worked to ensure that island communities were heard. I've been proud to work with Hannah-Mary Goodlad and colleagues across party lines to make the case for our island communities and press the government to act.
“This funding is an important step forward. We now need a long-term, sustainable plan that gives island communities the reliable lifeline services and air links that they deserve."
Hannah-Mary Goodlad, MSP for Shetland, commented:
“I welcome the commitment from the Scottish government to reinstate the lifeline link between Inverness and the islands.
“But we must look at this holistically. It is now time to move beyond this piece meal approach and gather all stakeholders together - public and private to develop a long term, equitable, sustainable solution for aviation across the region. It’s time to get this right for the north.”