Not a fair trade for ADS

I read with concern that councillor Alex Armitage has suggested replacing the Air Discount Scheme with a single free flight per year for islanders (9 September).

One free flight for islanders per year suggested as ADS alternative

I understand the motivation: ADS still leaves fares unaffordable for many, while those who fly often get more out of the discount.

But for islanders like me, who have family living outside Shetland, including abroad, and who need to fly several times a year to see them, this proposal would make things far worse, not better.

Even with the current 50 per cent discount, travelling from Shetland to the mainland is already expensive. Losing that discount on every flight beyond one free trip a year would put regular family visits completely out of reach for people in my position.

In practice, it could leave me with no real choice but to move away from Shetland altogether, simply to stay within reach of the people I care about.

Any replacement for ADS needs to take account of islanders who rely on frequent travel out of necessity, not just those who fly occasionally. A single free flight is not a fair trade for a discount that applies to every journey.

Alessandro Polvani
Gulberwick