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Call for Scottish Government to secure Wick air links


By Gordon Calder

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Reliable links from Wick John O'Groats Airport to Aberdeen and Edinburgh are crucially important to the north Highlands, says Trudy Morris.
Reliable links from Wick John O'Groats Airport to Aberdeen and Edinburgh are crucially important to the north Highlands, says Trudy Morris.

A CALL has been made for the Scottish Government to secure air links from Wick to help the far north economy recover in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.

It was made by the chief executive of Caithness Chamber of Commerce, Trudy Morris, who is urging the government to implement a public service obligation (PSO) – a form of subsidy – for flights from Wick John O'Groats Airport. Scheduled flights from Wick ceased due to the global outbreak of the virus.

"Regular, reliable aviation links to Aberdeen and Edinburgh are of crucial importance to the north Highlands, helping to drive regional connectivity and facilitating business," Ms Morris said. "They will play a significant role in helping our area recover economically from the impacts of Covid-19.

"Even prior to the pandemic there was a widespread recognition that the existing air services had seen a sustained degradation in service and were not meeting the economic needs of the region. It is against that background that the chamber developed and presented its case to Transport Scotland for a dual PSO from Wick, offering an economically and environmentally sustainable model for aviation provision in the north."

The PSO offers an opportunity to deliver a sustainable economic stimulus at a time when it is most needed.

She added: "Covid-19 has exacerbated serious issues within the aviation market and this has only strengthened the case for swift intervention by the Scottish Government. There is now an urgent requirement to secure regional aviation links and the economic recovery of the north Highlands by taking positive action to implement a PSO from Wick.

"It is, of course, important that any future services are delivered in a way that is compatible with public health requirements, and recent guidance from the UK government gives clear steps that airlines, airports and passengers can take to enable this to happen.

"The PSO is a shovel-ready project which not only meets this need but offers an opportunity for Scottish Government and regional partners to deliver a sustainable economic stimulus to the region at a time when it is most needed."

Ms Morris spoke out as Highlands and Islands Airports Ltd (HIAL) introduced new measures to help ensure the safety of passengers and staff as it prepares for the gradual resumption of scheduled flights to and from its 11 airports, including Wick John O'Groats.

Face coverings, hand sanitiser and strict adherence to social distancing are some of the requirements for all airport users as airlines begin a measured reintroduction of scheduled flights.

EasyJet resumed limited flights between Inverness and Gatwick on Monday and other airlines have indicated they will also look carefully at a planned introduction of non-international services to HIAL airports "in the near future".

HIAL airports have remained open to essential, lifeline services and emergency flights throughout the Covid-19 crisis, with key personnel on duty to ensure operations have been maintained during the lockdown.

Inglis Lyon, managing director of HIAL, said: "We are pleased we are now able to focus on a safe and gradual resumption of air travel. However, it is vital that everyone plays their part in helping ensure we avoid risking transmission of Covid-19."


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