Transport / No plans to bring business travel into air discount scheme
THE SCOTTISH Government has reiterated that there are no plans to reintroduce business travel to the air discount scheme (ADS) ahead of a review of the subsidy.
Responding to a parliamentary question from Shetland MSP Beatrice Wishart, agriculture and connectivity minister Jim Fairlie said business travel being included in the scheme would be in breach of “current State Aid compliance”.
He also confirmed ministers are currently considering the scope and structure of a review of the ADS scheme, “including how the views of stakeholders can best be taken into account”.
The ADS scheme, which has been provided through the government since 2006, has approval through to 31 March 2026.
It offers a 50 per cent discount on core air fares for people resident in Colonsay, Orkney, Shetland, the Western Isles, Islay, Jura, Caithness and parts of Sutherland.
Among those not eligible are people travelling for the purpose of business, and patients on NHS-funded trips.
Business-related travel used to be in the scheme until it was removed in the early 2010s.
Wishart asked the Scottish Government what consideration it has given to business travel, but Fairlie said there are no plans to bring it back.
A Transport Scotland aviation statement, published in 2024, pledged a review of the scheme to “consider how it could be made fairer and more effective, and to ensure it is providing value for money”.
Wishart also asked whether the review will “give consideration to necessary travel for apprentices to access learning and the reintroduction of business travel to support island economies”.
Fairlie responded: “A key priority for the Scottish Government is to encourage apprenticeship delivery in island and rural communities to support inclusive growth.
“Through Skills Development Scotland we introduced a rural uplift for modern apprenticeship delivery which is an increased payment to training providers to encourage provision in island and rural areas.
“Travel and subsistence (including accommodation) funding is also available to support apprentices who must attend structured and formal off-the-job training (outwith normal daily travel requirements) where this is required by the modern apprenticeship framework.”
Although the scheme is to run through to the end of March, it has always been renewed – with the last extension covering the five years between 2021 and 2026.
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