Caithness councillors call for government to help safeguard future of airport
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A CALL has been made for the Scottish Government and Highland Council to safeguard the future of flights from Wick John O'Groats Airport.
It was made at a meeting of the Caithness area committee – held remotely yesterday – and underlined the importance of the airport to the local economy and for the growth of onshore and offshore wind, wave and tidal energy, manufacturing, and the redevelopment of the area's harbours.
Councillors want the Scottish Government to provide a a public service obligation (PSO) for the airport after the Wick/Edinburgh and Wick/Aberdeen routes were withdrawn earlier this year. They also hope Highland Council will offer financial support.
Committee chairwoman Nicola Sinclair said: "A PSO for Wick John O’Groats Airport is an investment in Caithness and Highland. The business case brought to the Scottish Government by the Chamber of Commerce and local partners is a well-considered proposal for a sustainable air service from Wick.
"The proposed level of subsidy per passenger would be by far the lowest in Scotland and the annual investment in the service would generate significantly more in economic benefit."
The Wick and east Caithness councillor added: "The airport is fundamental to our post-Dounreay economy and the growth of key sectors such as onshore and offshore wind, wave and tidal energy, manufacturing, and the redevelopment of our harbours. It provides a crucial connection to the central belt for business and tourism and it’s critical in enabling Caithness to grow and to thrive.
"If we want to stem the decline of our services and our population it has to start with positive, decisive action, so as Caithness area chair I’m calling on Highland Council and the Scottish Government to invest in our region."
Mrs Sinclair is to raise the issue at a full meeting of Highlalnd Council next Thursday. "The line I’m taking is this is an investment in the future of Caithness and Highland, not a bail-out. The proposed model brings in more economic benefit than it costs, supports job creation and helps towards a low-carbon economy, making it a sustainable service that meets local needs," she said.
Thurso and north-east Caithness councillor Struan Mackie also backs the PSO plan. Speaking at yesterday's meeting, he said: "Wick John O’Groats Airport is of strategic importance to the far north, and a key asset that will help deliver a post-Covid economic recovery for the region.
"Over the last number of months it has been refreshing to be part of a cross-community campaign, with stakeholders, businesses groups and individuals all seeking a solution in resuming flights from Wick. After years of progressive market failure in providing regular and convenient services from the airport, it is clear that the public service obligation is the only option left on the table. And one that has enthusiastic support from the local community."
He added: "The work undertaken by the Caithness Chamber of Commerce has made the very clear business case for re-establishing our air connections with Aberdeen and Edinburgh through a PSO. We now need both the Scottish Government and Highland Council to support this financially and return scheduled air services to Wick John O’Groats Airport."
The committee called for an urgent decision to be made by the Scottish Government.
The PSO bid is also backed by the Prospect union. Its spokesman, David Avery, said the committee was "entirely right" about the importance of Wick John O'Groats Airport to the local and regional economies.
He urged Highland Council and the Scottish Government "to get fully behind" the plan which has widespread support from all sections of the community and is backed by north politicians, including Gail Ross, Jamie Stone, Rhoda Grant and David Stewart.
Transport Scotland has said it is "considering carefully" the case for a PSO for the Caithness airport and will respond as soon as possible.
