Councillor David Flear hits out at failure to consider Wick Airport

LANDWARD Caithness councillor David Flear has criticised the Highland Council for failing to take the Far North into account when considering the future aviation needs of the Highlands.

His views come after the transport, environmental and community services committee met on Thursday to discuss developing a sustainable UK aviation network for the Highland economy.

Mr Flear pointed out that the report had only made reference to the role of Inverness Airport in developing national and international links.

He said the committee was shortsighted not to recognise the important role Wick Airport will play in terms of the growth of the renewables sector.

He also criticised the assertion that there is no direct link between the Highlands and Edinburgh and Glasgow airports.

He pointed out to councillors that Wick Airport has a daily service which flies to the Scottish capital.

"The paper has missed out the fact that the Highlands has a second mainland airport," he said. "We need to take part in discussion with Highlands and Islands Airports Ltd to make sure they take on board the needs of potential future companies as well as the needs of the Scottish Government."

TEC services chairman John Laing agreed that the inclusion of the needs of Wick Airport was vital and that an amended report was required.

Do you want to respond to this article? If so, click here to submit your thoughts and they may be published in print.