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Air traffic control talks 'a step in the right direction', says Highlands and Islands Labour MSP


By Alan Hendry

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Rhoda Grant gave a cautious welcome, saying: 'I fear this battle is long from over.'
Rhoda Grant gave a cautious welcome, saying: 'I fear this battle is long from over.'

Talks aimed at resolving the dispute over air traffic control services in the Highlands and Islands have been welcomed as "a step in the right direction" by MSP Rhoda Grant, although she remains concerned about the potential loss of jobs from communities around the region.

Airport bosses have agreed a timetable with the Prospect union to discuss a way forward for the implementation of the proposed air traffic management strategy (ATMS). Prospect has agreed to suspend all industrial action while these talks continue.

Both parties have been seeking a mutually agreeable approach for the modernisation of air traffic services at airports operated by Highlands and Islands Airports Limited (HIAL).

Mrs Grant, Labour's regional MSP for the Highlands and Islands, said: “It is to be welcomed that HIAL has finally agreed to sit round the table. One of my biggest concerns, among many, through this whole process has been HIAL’s refusal to properly engage with its staff on both their futures and on the safety and robustness of the plans, things with its staff have invaluable expertise on.

“It is yet to be seen whether they are coming to these discussions in good faith and with a willingness to adapt to the myriad concerns and flaws that have been identified – but by at least being willing to talk about these issues now HIAL has taken a step in the right direction.

Mrs Grant added: “My growing concern now is that, because of the level of resistance from the local communities, HIAL may try to take the long, patient approach – phasing out the air traffic control jobs from these communities as they become naturally vacant, acclimatising communities to drops in local service provision bit by bit, and resulting in a long-term loss of high-quality jobs in rural areas.”

“I hope that this is not the long-term plan, and I think if Graeme Dey [Scotland's transport minister] would step up and meet with the communities to hear their concerns then this may allay some of these fears. I fear this battle is long from over.”

The fresh talks will include discussions on a surveillance programme for Stornoway, Sumburgh, Kirkwall, Inverness and Dundee airports from a combined centre in Inverness, with procedural air traffic control services being phased out.

They will also look at air traffic services being provided locally at Stornoway, Sumburgh, Kirkwall and Dundee for the duration of the surveillance programme, with air traffic control for Inverness being provided remotely from the combined surveillance centre. The agreement also includes a review of air traffic provision being undertaken at the end of the surveillance programme, or at five years, whichever is soonest.

It has been agreed that further separate talks will take place on air traffic services for Wick John O’Groats Airport as well as Benbecula.

HIAL managing director Inglis Lyon called the talks "a significant and positive step". He said: "We are pleased that Prospect has suspended the industrial action. This will allow the discussions to move forward without further disruption to our passengers and airlines."

David Avery, negotiation officer for Prospect, said: “We welcome the decision of the HIAL board to work to find a solution which not only delivers safety improvements but also protects local jobs and services."


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