MSPs join in calling Scottish Government to protect Sumburgh-Kirkwall-Inverness service
A CROSS-PARTY group of MSPs have urged the Scottish Government to urgently protect lifeline flights between Sumburgh-Kirkwall-Inverness.
The call comes after Loganair announced plans that would drastically reduce connections on that route, along with the Stornoway-Inverness route.
The group has written to new transport secretary Stephen Flynn and called on the government to work with them on a regional air strategy which addresses the long-term viability of the two services.
Loganair has confirmed that mid-week flights on the Sumburgh-Kirkwall-Inverness route will stop from mid-July, citing a lack of government funding.
The airline said it cannot sustain the current level of service without “government funded support”.
The letter, which was coordinated by Scottish Green MSP Kristopher Leask, has been supported by SNP MSP Hannah Mary Goodlad, Liberal Democrat MSP Liam McArthur and Labour MSP Donald MacKinnon.
It has also been backed by ZetTrans chairwoman Moraig Lyall and HiTrans leader Uisdean Robertson.
Green MSP Leask said the cuts could have a “devastating impact” on the people of Shetland.
“A lot of people across our island communities rely on these flight routes to access hospital appointments and other vital services,” he said.
“They are also vital for transient workers and local businesses, as well as people who have remote families to support.
“The fact that this letter has been signed by MSPs from across the political spectrum shows the huge importance that we all put on ensuring a long-term plan that can help to sustain and enhance our rural and island communities.
“We want to work with the Scottish Government to do all that we can to support them in delivering a regional air service that is fit for purpose and focussed on delivering for our communities.”
In the letter to Flynn, the group of MSPs called for a meeting with them, the transport secretary and the chairs of ZetTrans and HiTrans to resolve long-standing transport issues.
Shetland MSP Goodlad met with Flynn earlier this week after it was revealed that the Sumburgh-Kirkwall-Inverness was to be cut back from next month.
Responding to the news, she said: “I am deeply concerned about the news from Loganair and have taken immediate action, voicing my concerns to the transport secretary directly.”
A spokesperson for government-owned HIAL, which operates airports in the Highlands and Islands, said it had offered a support package to help maintain the routes’ viability.
“However, as a public body, the level of support needs to be affordable for HIAL, amid financial pressures on the public sector,” they added. “Discussions with Loganair are ongoing.”
In its cancellation email, Loganair said weekday flights on the route are being discontinued in its summer schedule, from 20 July to 23 October.
It added: “Loganair will continue to service Kirkwall and Sumburgh from other points in Scotland but we appreciate that these may not be as convenient for you.”
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