Fair air fares

THE SCOTTISH government is actively considering ways of addressing the high air fares to and from the Scottish islands, transport and islands minister Derek Mackay has confirmed.

The statement comes after Mackay was asked parliamentary questions by Orkney MSP Liam McArthur about extending the air discount scheme.

More pressure on the government has come in the form of a petition calling for reduced air fares that was gaining support at Orkney’s agricultural shows this week.

McArthur said: “While improving the reliability of our lifeline airline services must remain a priority, ensuring they are affordable is also critically important.

“The obvious way of helping achieve this would be to increase the support available under ADS.

“Constituents appear to agree and have been adding their names to our petition.

“Now the minister has provided formal confirmation that he is looking seriously at this option. I welcome that news but want to see him go further.

“When Tavish and I met Derek Mackay before the summer recess, he asked for a little time to meet with stakeholders and consider his options.

“That was fair enough, but we now need a decision from the minister.”

Shetland MSP Tavish Scott added: “We need concrete action to help reduce fares.

“Higher ADS would be good as would reduced landing charges at government owned airports.

“The Fair Fares community campaign now needs to see a positive response from the government.”