Politicians want ‘long-term vision’ for air transport links
TWO OF Shetland’s Holyrood representatives have combined to start work on a regional air transport plan for the Highlands and Islands.
Shetland MSP Hannah Mary Goodlad and Kristopher Leask, who is a Green list MSP for the Highlands and Islands, have begun working with regional transport bodies to map out the plan.
Both Leask and new SNP MSP Goodlad have spoken about making transport one of their top priorities as island MSPs.
Leask said: “The time is right to move beyond reacting to individual route changes and instead establish a clear, long-term vision for the role of aviation within Scotland’s transport system.
“All the pieces of the puzzle are there to build an aviation network for the north that works.
“The challenge is bringing those pieces together and being creative enough to find a sustainable solution.”
Goodlad added: “However you look at it, enormous amounts of public money are going into the current system – the air discount scheme, the impact on the NHS, subsidies for HIAL, and the wider economic impact across our islands.”
“We need to be asking ourselves: is this working? Are we getting the best value for money? And if not, how can we improve this?”
The pair said they believe the answer lies in an integrated Highlands and Islands air network.
This, they said, would need to deliver “equitable access” to healthcare, employment, education and public services.
It would also need to support sustainable economic growth, and provide island and remote rural communities with levels of connectivity comparable to those elsewhere in Scotland, they said.
“In other words, it’s time to get this right for the north,” Goodlad added.
Become a member of Shetland News
Shetland News is asking its readers to consider paying for membership to get additional perks:
- Removal of third-party 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.
Already a member? Sign in to hide this message.
