Dave Thompson MSP

Dave Thompson, SNP MSP for Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch has urged Highland Council to approach the Scottish Government to discuss the FlySkye proposals to bring flights back to Skye.

Commenting on this, Dave said: “I am confident Highland Council are keen to pursue the FlySkye initiative. Given the Minister’s assurances to me that he was happy to meet with the Council to discuss the project, I hope the Council speedily does just that.

Research has suggested that if flights were to return to Skye it could be worth up to £6 million per year to the Skye and Lochalsh economy.

There have been a number of studies conducted in recent years by HITRANS and RDC Aviation, both of which have recommended re-establishing the air service.

Adding to this, Dave said: “Better transport links between Skye and Lochalsh and the central belt would be a huge boost for the numerous tourism and other businesses in the community, and the airport itself would bring some welcome economic activity.

“I hope the Council will engage constructively with the Minister for Transport, to discuss how this project can be progressed.

Note:

Dave’s question to the Minister.

Dave Thompson: The minister has previously told me that, as he just said, he is happy to meet Highland Council to discuss the fly Skye project, which would boost the Skye and Lochalsh economy by about £6 million a year. Will he give me an update on where he is with that? I am slightly disappointed that the council has not been in touch with him so far.

Keith Brown: I know of no approach from Highland Council, although I will meet the council’s leader soon. I will check whether that is still the case or whether something has been received in recent days.

As I said, I am more than happy to discuss the issues but, to take the project forward, the council will be required to find the subsidy level that we require to sustain such a service. In the meantime, I am more than happy to discuss the subject.