McArthur reiterates call for ministerial leadership on regional air strategy

Responding to further detail on the Scottish Government’s approach to the development of a regional air strategy for Scotland, Orkney's MSP Liam McArthur has reiterated his call for the Transport Secretary to lead from the front.

Mr McArthur had previously called on the Scottish Government to take ownership of the issue after cuts were made to lifeline services connecting Inverness and the Northern and Western Isles earlier this summer.

In a letter sent to Highlands and Islands MSPs earlier today, Transport Secretary Stephen Flynn confirmed that plans are underway to organise an event jointly hosted by Transport Scotland, HITRANS and Zet Trans to solicit stakeholder feedback and engage with impacted communities. Mr McArthur welcomed this move while stressing the need for Mr Flynn to continue to lead the process.

Orkney’s MSP will look to press the Cabinet Secretary for more details on the timeframe for these plans during portfolio questions tomorrow afternoon.

Meantime, commenting in response to the letter, Mr McArthur said:

"Recent cuts to lifeline routes connecting the Northern and Western Isles with mainland Scotland underline the pressing need for a long-term strategy when it comes to air services in the Highlands & Islands. Leaving island communities at the mercy of decisions by commercial airlines facing their own financial challenges does not breed resilience or confidence.

"I welcome the willingness of the Transport Secretary to engage constructively, first in ensuring services will be restored but also in committing to the development of a strategy for the long term.  

"Of course, any strategy will need to be informed by the needs and perspectives of islanders and island businesses, but to have any chance of being delivered in practice it will require Ministers to take the lead.

"The Transport Secretary is right to highlight the complexities involved in developing such a strategy. However, that is why we will need patience and persistence from Mr Flynn, as well as leadership.

“I look forward to taking part in the discussions outlined by the Transport Secretary and will be making the case that this get underway as soon as possible. If we are to avoid a repeat of what happened over the summer, we need to maintain the momentum behind the case building a more resilient air service for our rural and island communities."