Dave Thompson MSP

Dave Thompson, SNP MSP for Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch is supporting FlySkye’s call for a resumption of the Skye and Lochalsh air link.

Dave said: “I am delighted with the FlySkye initiative. I am fully behind this campaign to use the Broadford Airstrip for scheduled air links to the Central Belt and Aberdeen."

Highland Council, HIE and Hitrans are to conduct another survey into the potential of introducing a scheduled air service linking Skye and Lochalsh with the central belt.

The last Hitrans report submitted in 2007 recommended that a Skye and Lochalsh airport should be developed in the period from 2013-2017.

Ian Blackford who runs a Skye based management consultancy First Seer, said: “We are delighted to receive the support of Dave Thompson MSP for our campaign to restore air services to Skye and Lochalsh. There is no question that the restoration of air services to Skye would result in a considerable boost to the tourist and wider business community at a time when we must be proactive to boost economic activity.

The restoration of services would in itself create job opportunities both directly from employment at the airport as well as ancillary services such as car hire. Growth in tourism is a priority for the government and there is no doubt the availability of air services to Skye would strengthen the attractions of Skye and Lochalsh as a destination.

Dave added: “The resumption of air services to Skye and Lochalsh would significantly improve the transport links for the island, and Lochalsh, and would undoubtedly be a boost for tourism and the local economy.

"As well as delivering this welcome boost, the fact that Twin Otters are an option makes this proposal very attractive, as they only need a very short runway.

"I believe that this service is long overdue, and I will be doing all I can to support FlySkye’s campaign and to secure this vital boost for the local economy.”