Guarantee Wick flights for 10 years
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A prominent Scottish business leader has called for passenger services from Wick airport to be guaranteed for at least 10 years.
Dr Liz Cameron, the chief executive of Scottish Chambers of Commerce, was speaking at the Caithness Chamber of Commerce’s annual dinner in the town.
In her keynote address during the event, she said that an extension to the Public Service Obligation (PSO) flights between Wick and Aberdeen would provide certainty of connectivity for businesses and residents of the north Highlands.
She called on the business community, public sector and others to get round the table to agree on a minimum of 10 years support to develop and build up the commercial asset for the long-term.
Dr Cameron said: “In my visit to Caithness and the north Highlands, l was inspired by the creativity and resilience of local businesses who have consistently felt isolated in more ways than one in recent years.
“Threats to connectivity, housing shortages, failure to make full use of its vast economic potential, are all concerns voiced by businesses in the region.
“It is clear that these businesses deserve leadership and partnership which ensures that the diverse economy, and future of their communities continue to attract, retain and build on fantastic enterprises and investment.
“We call upon the key players to get around the table and make it happen. This part of the world is ready to be a central powerhouse for many future industries, but it needs action taken now to ensure that it won’t be left behind with no repeat of the mistakes of the past.”
The air service between Wick John O’Groats and Aberdeen airports, described as a lifeline by local businesses and communities, is operated under a PSO between Highland Council and Eastern Airways. Scheduled air services returned to the far north on April 11, 2022, with the first flight to Aberdeen leaving Wick since March 2020.
Caithness Chamber of Commerce, with funding from Dounreay, developed the original business case for the PSO from Wick John O’Groats Airport, and alongside key stakeholders has continued to play a pivotal role in the partnership efforts to safeguard, develop and grow the service.
There have been further calls to expand the scope of the PSO and to reintroduce flights to Edinburgh.
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However, concerns have been raised following an indication from Transport Scotland to stakeholders that a commitment made for the final year of financial support for the service, to April 2026, will now need to be re-justified beyond the previously agreed stipulation of an increase in passenger numbers.
The Caithness Chamber of Commerce said that they service provides access to vital business, leisure and healthcare opportunities, and is predicted to carry more than 11,000 passengers during the 2023/24 funding period, forecasting a rise of between 20 and 25 per cent on 2022/23 figures.
Trudy Morris, chief executive of Caithness Chamber of Commerce, said: “Air connectivity is vital to businesses and communities across the north Highlands and it remains clear that this is an essential component in the overall transport connectivity to and from the region.
“Connectivity is a major factor in securing economic growth, attracting new opportunities, employment and sustaining flourishing communities for our region, and indeed imperative for retaining our future generations.
“Our region is one of the most diverse economies in Scotland and we deserve both the equity and the stability to be able to maximise and build upon the opportunities presented to us. Air connectivity is crucial to this, the PSO must reflect confidence in the long-term vision of our region.”
During her visit to Caithness, Dr Cameron met Drew Murray of Far North Aviation, which has provided aircraft handling services at Wick John O'Groats Airport since 1991, including refuelling for the significant levels of ferry flights which layover at the airport.
She also spent time with joint managing directors Gavin and Scott Bremner of Ashley Ann at the state-of-the-art kitchen manufacturing facility and trade showroom in Wick.
A major local employer with an overall workforce of over 200 staff, Ashley Ann’s bespoke designer kitchens, bathrooms and bedrooms are exported across the UK through its nine retail showrooms, independent and kitchen retailers and directly to property developers and house builders.
