'Increasingly critical' that future of Wick airport is safeguarded
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A CAITHNESS trade union leader has said it is "increasingly critical" the Scottish Government safeguards the future of Wick John O'Groats Airport following the loss of routes to Aberdeen and Edinburgh.
Davie Alexander, chairman of Thurso and Wick Trades Union Council, says the granting of a public service obligation (PSO) is "the only way forward for the airport" when the county is trying to offset the jobs being lost at Dounreay as the site is decommissioned.
He praised the work done by Caithness Chamber of Commerce, which has outlined the business case for a PSO, and said: "We need to attract inward investment to the county and need good air connections to help do that.
"Companies look at things like transport links, health provision and infrastructure when making such decisions. Not having decent travel connections will only serve as another deterrent to prospective companies looking to locate to the area.
"We are doing our best to keep the economy going and I would like to think a PSO would make a difference – and we feel Wick is in a better position to get a PSO than Dundee, which was granted one. All we are asking for is a bit of fair play."
Mr Alexander added: "I sincerely hope momentum is gathering on this. We have been concerned about the airport for a long, long time and hope the Scottish Government sees the sense of a PSO for Wick and grants it. It is all about the economy.
"The recent decision by Eastern Airways [to axe its Wick/Aberdeen service], although not surprising, is yet another serious negative development concerning the future of the airport. It has become increasingly critical now that the Scottish Government gives its backing to a PSO."
Mr Alexander claims it would be better if Caithness was an island because then it would get the help it needs.
As reported earlier this week, an assurance has been given that the Scottish Government recognises the difficulties facing Caithness.
A spokesman for the government agency Transport Scotland said careful consideration was being given to the case for a PSO at Wick John O'Groats Airport.
It came amid growing pressure from local councillors and others for a PSO to be granted.
Highlands and Islands MSP David Stewart has accused the government of "dithering" over the future of the airport, while Highland Council leader Margaret Davidson says the situation is "deeply concerning" and has written to Scotland's transport secretary Michael Matheson.
She wants to meet him to discuss how a PSO can be moved forward "as quickly as possible" and other measures that could be put in place to support the airport.
- Growing calls for Scottish Government to act over 'dire situation' at Wick John O'Groats Airport
- Scottish Government 'recognises issues faced by Caithness' over loss of flights
