McArthur responds to Loganair's temporary suspension of Inverness-Kirkwall routes

Responding to Loganair's decision to temporarily suspend services on routes between Kirkwall, Inverness and Sumburgh, Orkney's MSP Liam McArthur said:

"This is deeply disappointing news made all the more disturbing by the fact that these are lifeline services.

"After weeks of disruption, this is the last thing travellers need to hear. There is no doubt the suspension of these services will create even more problems for islanders looking to travel over the next couple of months.

"Given that HIAL is wholly owned by the Scottish Government, the Transport Minister needs to step in and bring the two sides together. Ministers have been involved in the pay disputes in the health and education sectors. The government needs to apply the same approach in relation to lifeline transport links.

"That will be my message to the Minister when I seek to raise this matter in parliament next week."