Wick Public Service Obligation Celebrates Successful Second Year Subsidising Wick Aberdeen Flights
27th March 2024

The Highland Council is delighted to confirm a highly successful second year for Public Service Obligation (PSO) flights between Wick and Aberdeen.
The period from April 2023 to March 2024 has seen a substantial increase in passenger numbers, with several months seeing over 1,000 passengers using the service, and overall the service has seen year on year growth of 25%.
Despite some uncertainty over funding, thanks to the hard work and support of stakeholders, further funding was secured to continue the service into 2024/25. The Council and operator are now working hard to promote the service at both ends of the route as we enter the Summer 2024 period.
As the service enters its third year, a slight change is being made to the pricing structure in light of prevailing economic conditions.
Due to increased airport and agency charges, along with continued inflationary pressures in the wider economy, from April 2024 the standard one-way fare on the route will see a slight increase of £5.00, from £49.99 to £54.99.
The Highland Council remains committed to delivering the service as a lifeline for the region and recognises the importance of affordable, accessible transport to those living in, working in, and visiting the area.
The Leader of the Council, Councillor Raymond Bremner who is also Chair of the Wick John O' Groats Airport Consultative Committee and a local member for Wick and East Caithness, said: "We would like to thank all of our passengers, the team at Wick John O'Groats Airport, and local stakeholders for their continued support in making this service a success. Here's to even more good news in the third year!"
For comparison the train costs £28.10 each way unless you have a rail card but take over 7 hours at some times but only 40 minutes to fly. The train involves changing at Inverness.
Related Businesses
Related Articles
Members of the Economy and Infrastructure Committee will have the opportunity to discuss progress being made for the Community Wealth Building action plan when they meet next week. The Council's Community Wealth Building Strategy 2024 - 2027 provides an alternative approach to economic development and a practical response that aims to keep wealth within a local area.
Yesterday (Tuesday 4 February) the Leader of The Highland Council Cllr Raymond Bremner along with the Chair of the Economy and Infrastructure Committee Cllr Ken Gowans visited the depot of D&E Coaches. This followed the completion of the deal for the council to acquire the business.
The Highland Council is preparing a new and important planning document called the Highland Local Development Plan. The plan will ultimately be used to determine planning applications and steer future development and investment in your area.
Good progress is being made to create sustainable tenancies in Caithness by enhancing the appeal for re-letting of low-demand void council housing. The Council's Void-Plus Policy involves improvements being made to voided properties to increase the appeal of these homes.
Anyone interested in wishing to stand as Candidate for the Community Council's listed below have until 12noon on Monday 10 February. Complete and submit the online nomination which is available on the Council's website https://www.highland.gov.uk/ccelections.
Several public drop-in sessions are being held across Caithness during February with displays of options for the future masterplanning for the area. Council officers will be on hand to explain the proposals and answer any questions.
The Highland Council's Leader Councillor Raymond Bremner attended Scottish Cities Week in London (20-22 January) to promote investment opportunities in Inverness, the Highlands and the Highland Council area. Scottish Cities Week aims to provide a focused opportunity to create and develop long-term strategic partnerships, with a wide array of investors and developers.
The Highland Council has appointed Ruth Fry as Chief Officer - Human Resources and Communications and Paul Reid as Chief Officer – Facilities and Fleet Management. The appointment of Ruth Fry completes the new senior management structure of the Council's Corporate service cluster under the leadership of Allan Gunn, Assistant Chief Executive – Corporate.
The Highland Council is pleased to announce, that following a period of negotiation and due diligence, it intends to acquire the entire shareholding of D&E Coaches Limited. Provision of home to school transport is a high-cost statutory function of the Council which has caused significant budget pressures in recent years.
Nominations are invited from people seeking election to the Community Councils that have fallen into abeyance since the last round of interim elections and to reform those that have submitted a petition to be reformed. This is your chance to help represent the views of your community to The Highland Council and other public agencies.