Case for Wick airport PSO has become 'a matter of urgency' after Moray East setback
Far north business leader Trudy Morris says a direct subsidy to support Wick air links has become "a matter of urgency" after it emerged that a company working on a massive renewable energy project was pulling out of the town because of the lack of scheduled flights.
Ms Morris, chief executive of Caithness Chamber of Commerce, is urging the Scottish Government to "stop dragging its heels" and commit to a public service obligation (PSO) to protect services at Wick John O'Groats Airport in this week's Scottish budget.
Wick Harbour Authority revealed at the end of last week that a multinational company involved in building the 100-turbine Moray East wind farm had decided to cease operations from the town and relocate to Buckie because of its proximity to Aberdeen Airport.
Crew transfer and survey vessels had been operating daily from Wick, the authority said in a letter sent to politicians and others, but the lack of scheduled air services was cited as a major factor in the decision to withdraw.
Caithness was left without scheduled flights after the loss of the Wick/Edinburgh and Wick/Aberdeen routes last year.
"The chamber has been campaigning for some time for a PSO from Wick John O'Groats Airport," Ms Morris said. "We delivered a robust business case to the Scottish Government nearly a year ago demonstrating the requirement for a PSO and the economic consequences facing the north Highlands as a result of the lack of lifeline air services.
"We are extremely disappointed to see these consequences so starkly demonstrated. The recent decision by a major business in offshore wind to cease operations in Wick, citing lack of scheduled flights, will have immediate economic consequences for the region and will undoubtedly prove damaging to long-term aspirations to make the north Highlands a base for renewable energy development.
"It is clear that we now need a PSO in place as a matter of urgency to prevent any further economic damage, support long-term economic recovery and development, and ensure that the north Highlands has equity with the rest of Scotland.
"We recognise the challenging economic climate that Scotland as a whole is facing, and we have local partners ready and willing to provide funding support to a PSO.
"What we need now is for the Scottish Government to stop dragging its heels, commit to supporting a PSO in the upcoming Scottish budget, and engage in meaningful discussions with the chamber and partners to ensure these economically vital, lifeline services will help our region grow and succeed for years to come."
The Scottish Government repeated its previous assurance that the PSO case was under consideration, while adding that "any intervention would require multiple funding partners".
A spokesperson said: “We recognise that globally, as well as here in Scotland, the aviation industry faces one of the longest recovery periods given the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on route networks.
“Covid-19 is having a significant impact on passenger numbers and all airlines, including those serving the Highlands and Islands, are having to adjust their schedules to reflect current demand.
“We recognise the issues faced by the Caithness area and are considering carefully the business case submitted by Caithness Chamber of Commerce for the direct subsidy of air services to Wick. We will respond as soon as possible, but we have been clear that any intervention would require multiple funding partners to restore scheduled services at Wick.”
The 950MW Moray East project, about 14 miles off the east coast of Caithness, is expected to be fully operational by 2022.
Wick is the operations and maintenance base for the 84-turbine Beatrice offshore farm which was officially opened in 2019.
Related stories:
- Fresh plea to safeguard future of airport after 'hammer blow' to Wick's role as renewable energy base
- Stone urges UK government to intervene after getting 'brush-off' over Wick flights
