ADS cuts start to bite, Scott says

ISLANDERS are flying less due to the impact of the changes to the Air Discount Scheme, according to Shetland MSP Tavish Scott.

New  figures submitted by Loganair to the Scottish government show for July to October a 15 per cent drop in the number of Shetlanders flying south.

These figures mean a loss of 1,500 passengers to Loganair.

Mr Scott and Orkney MSP Liam McArthur are due to meet with transport minister Keith Brown on Wednesday to discuss the controversial withdrawal of ADS to businesses and public service organisations.

Mr Scott said: “This dramatic fall in passengers using the ADS show the cost to the islands of these Scottish government cuts.  Islanders are travelling less or having to pay full fare which shows what a backward step cuts in ADS are for Shetland.

“I hope that the Scottish government will listen to the evidence that Liam McArthur and I have collected in the northern isles, but also to these Loganair figures. 

“It’s time Shetland got some good transport news from this government rather than being battered with higher fares in the air and at sea and cuts to essential lifeline services.”