5th February 2021
Chair of Chair, Economy and Infrastructure Committee comments on Scottish Government's funding for Wick John O'Groats Airport
Following representations made by The Highland Council, the Scottish Government has proposed that up to £4 million will be made available to the Council over the next four financial years to bring back scheduled services at Wick John O'Groats Airport.
The Scottish Government have suggested that the Council be the lead partner in setting the specification for the services to be provided in consultation with local communities and businesses.
Commenting on this news, Chair of the Council's Economy and Infrastructure Committee, Cllr Trish Robertson said: "We have been highlighting to the Scottish Government, the pressing need for an ambitious new approach to protecting vital regional aviation links, particularly in relation to Wick John O'Groats Airport, so this is a positive step forward. However, we really do need to fully understand the fiscal implications both for the Council and other partners before making a decision.
"We need to ensure that a sustainable funding model can be put together to deliver a long term future for Wick John O’Groats Airport. This will require continuing engagement with all of the local partners and the Scottish Government."
MSPs David Stewart and Rhoda Grant welcome Wick PSO announcement
Highlands and Islands Labour MSPs, David Stewart and Rhoda Grant, are delighted that the Scottish Government appear to have finally moved on placing a Public Service Obligation (PSO) on Wick Airport routes.
Today SNP MSP, Gail Ross, tweeted that she had met Transport Secretary, Michael Matheson, who had agreed a four-year PSO. The two Labour MSPs are yet to get the detail of the package but have both pushed for action on the Wick/Edinburgh and Wick/Aberdeen flights.
This week, in a local newspaper column (Caithness Courier) Mrs Grant urged Mr Matheson to act after the management of Wick Harbour wrote to both MSPs explaining the dire situation where a company had pulled out of using its facilities due to no flights at Wick.
The workers were being bussed to Aberdeen until the company pulled the plug and now Buckie is to be the base for those working on a windfarm.
Mrs Grant said: "This new development is good news indeed, and, as they say, better late than never!
"The writing was on the wall for Wick Airport’s vital air links as early as 2018 when my colleague, David Stewart, first raised the issue with the Scottish Government’s Transport Secretary. Then, it was a hotelier and other local businesses who said the Wick-Edinburgh route was under threat.
"A year later, it was obvious the Wick-Aberdeen route was of equal concern and again Mr Matheson, was contacted with support for a Public Service Obligation to be put on the routes as they were vulnerable and needed ring-fenced with Government aid to give them protection.
“Protection for these routes is vital for the Caithness economy and I await the full details of how it will operate."
Mr Stewart also welcomed the move as he’d joined the campaign started by Caithness Chamber of Commerce and local businesses in the very early days because the flights were vulnerable.
“The pandemic saw both Wick scheduled flights terminate and it was imperative that quick action was taken by the Scottish Government to bring back air connectivity which is crucial for development and expansion. It has taken some time but the Government has listened," he added.
“Previously Mr Matheson told me a PSO would likely take around nine to 12 months for services to start due to the regulatory and procurement processes required. I hope that this has been shortened."