widget/exchange-29
widget/exchange-30widget/exchange-33
widget/exchange-31

Transport / Sturgeon says government continues to support air discount scheme

Photo: Shetland News

FIRST minister Nicola Sturgeon has appeared to confirm that the Scottish Government’s air discount scheme will continue beyond this year.

The scheme, which provides 50 per cent discounts on air fares to and from the Scottish mainland for islanders, is due to expire on 31 December.

No formal confirmation has yet been given from the government about the continuation of the scheme, leading to concerns among politicians.

Orkney MSP Liam McArthur raised the matter in the Scottish Parliament on Thursday, with Sturgeon appearing to confirm the scheme will continue.

“We have supported the ADS scheme and we continue to see the virtual importance of that,” she said.

“The support of the Scottish Government is well known and continuing.”

Speaking afterwards, McArthur said he was “pleased that the first minister has put fears to rest in response to my question and look forward to seeing more details of the government’s plans shortly”.

“As the UK leaves the EU next month, it may be that aspects of the scheme need to change, but it seems clear that this will not affect those in Orkney and elsewhere who will continue to benefit from the fare reductions,” he said.

Become a member of Shetland News

Shetland News is asking its many readers to consider paying for membership to get additional features and services: -

  • Remove non-local ads;
  • Bookmark posts to read later;
  • Exclusive curated weekly newsletter;
  • Hide membership messages;
  • Comments open for discussion.

If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please become a member of Shetland News by either making a single payment, or setting up a monthly, quarterly or yearly subscription.

 
widget/pd_widget-6widget/pd_widget-7widget/exchange-53widget/exchange-54widget/pd_widget-8widget/exchange-55widget/pd_widget-9widget/exchange-56

Newsletters

Subscribe to a selection of different newsletters from Shetland News, varying from breaking news delivered on the minute, to a weekly round-up of the opinion posts. All delivered straight to your inbox.

Daily Briefing Newsletter Weekly Highlights Newsletter Opinion Newsletter Life in Shetland Newsletter

JavaScript Required

We're sorry, but Shetland News isn't fully functional without JavaScript enabled.
Head over to the help page for instructions on how to enable JavaScript on your browser.

Your Privacy

We use cookies on our site to improve your experience.
By using our service, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy.

Browser is out-of-date

Shetland News isn't fully functional with this version of .
Head over to the help page for instructions on updating your browser for more security, improved speed and the best overall experience on this site.

Interested in Notifications?

Get notifications from Shetland News for important and breaking news.
You can unsubscribe at any time.

Have you considered becoming a member of Shetland News?

If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please consider paying for membership and get the following features and services: -

  • Remove non-local ads;
  • Bookmark posts to read later;
  • Exclusive curated weekly newsletter;
  • Hide membership messages;
  • Comments open for discussion.