Continued funding welcomed for ‘Lifeline' Wick-Aberdeen air service

14th March 2025

The Highland Council has today received confirmation from Scottish Government that it will continue to provide funding to the Wick-Aberdeen Public Service Obligation (PSO) into financial year 2025/26.

The funding provided by Scottish Government in 2025/26 will be up to £1 million, as in previous years, and The Highland Council will continue with its own already agreed commitment of £300,000.

The confirmation follows the submission earlier this week of the final output report of the Wick John O'Groats Airport Working Group, which highlighted for the attention of Scottish Ministers several key opportunities for future sustainable delivery of services at Wick John O’Groats Airport, as well as opportunities for substantial economic growth in the North Highlands as a region over the coming decade.

Cllr Raymond Bremner, Leader of The Highland Council and Chair of the Wick John O’Groats Airport Working Group, said, "I am delighted that Scottish Government has decided to continue funding this lifeline service for another year. The continued provision of scheduled air services is vital in enabling the community of the North Highlands to access employment, education, healthcare and leisure opportunities, and today’s announcement marks a strong recognition from Scottish Government of the importance of this service to the region.

"The report of the Working Group highlighted the key role that Wick John O’Groats Airport will play in the coming years in enabling a wealth of opportunities in the region. This continued support for the PSO will also provide local partners with the short-term certainty they require to progress the vital work of realising these opportunities.

“While led by The Highland Council, the Working Group and its role in securing this ongoing commitment is a testament to the power of partnership working, and I would like to thank all of those who were involved in producing the report and driving the work of the Group forward.

“I personally, and The Highland Council as a whole, look forward to continuing to work closely with partners across the North Highlands, as well as with colleagues in Highlands & Islands Airports Ltd and Transport Scotland, to ensure the long-term sustainability and growth of Wick John O’Groats Airport."

 

Related Businesses

 

Related Articles

6/5/2026 : Local Authority

 
Highland Council’s Debt Crunch: Rising Borrowing Costs Put 20‑Year Capital Plans Under Pressure

Highland Council is heading into a tougher financial climate than at any point since the financial crash and the pressure is coming from a direction that residents rarely see: the cost of government borrowing.   Following the UK’s latest rise in borrowing costs, the price councils pay for long‑term loans has increased again.  

5/5/2026 : Local Authority

Will Governments Override Local Councils to Build Wind Farms and Battery Storage? A Look at the UK’s Energy Shift

As the energy crisis continues to reshape policy across the UK, a key question keeps coming up.  Will national governments override local councils that refuse planning permission for renewable energy projects like wind farms and battery storage sites? The short answer is this is already happening and it’s likely to increase.  

29/4/2026 : Local Authority

Caithness Committee sets garage rates for year ahead

Garage rents in Caithness are set to increase by 10% for garage rent 2026/27 and 15% for garage sites, as agreed at the recent Caithness Area Committee (Monday 27 April).   There are currently 492 garages and garage sites across Caithness, 126 of which are currently void.  

28/4/2026 : Local Authority

Short Term Let Control Area In Badenoch and Strathspey Has Slowed More Properties Joining - See Highland Wide Tougher Rules

Early indications suggest that the introduction of a Short Term Let Control Area (STLCA) for Badenoch and Strathspey has slowed the growth of secondary short-term lets across the area.   The STLCA for Ward 20, which covers Aviemore, Carrbridge, Boat of Garten, Dalwhinnie Grantown-on-Spey, Kingussie, and Newtonmore, has been in place for two years and was one of the first to be designated in Scotland.  

24/4/2026 : Local Authority

 
Highland Council signs Memorandum of Understanding with Ukrainian region

The Highland Council has confirmed the recent signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ivano-Frankivsk Regional State (Military) Administration in Ukraine.   The MoU acknowledges bonds of friendship and common aims to promote knowledge transfer, educational and trade exchanges, and encourage investment opportunities between the two regions.  

23/4/2026 : Local Authority

Accessible Voting at the 2026 Scottish Parliament Election – Support Available for Voters

As the Scottish Parliament Election approaches on Thursday 7 May 2026, we are ensuring that voting is accessible to voters.   Polling stations across the Highlands will be open from 7am to 10pm.  

23/4/2026 : Local Authority

Thurso provides feedback on £100 million investment plan

Consultation in Thurso has found strong support for investment in a Community Point of Delivery (PoD) that serves the whole town and delivers wider benefits beyond the replacement of ageing school buildings.   Local people described the proposed development of an education campus on the current Thurso High School site and surrounding area as an opportunity to create a civic asset for the whole community, bringing together education, sport, leisure, health, art and social facilities.  

23/4/2026 : Local Authority

Highland Housing Under Pressure: What the Latest Caithness Committee Report Really Tells Us

The latest Highland Council Caithness Committee Housing Management Performance Report (2025–26) offers a detailed snapshot of how social housing services are performing across the region.  On the surface, it is a routine governance update—tracking repairs, allocations, rent collection, and tenant satisfaction.  

23/4/2026 : Local Authority

Caithness Ward Discretionary Budget Approved By Councillors In The Year To 31 March 2026

Councillors approved grant funding from ward discretionary funds in the year to 31 March 2026.  13 groups in each of the two wards received funding.  

23/4/2026 : Local Authority

Workforce North: A Turning Point for the Highlands If We Get It Right

The Highland Council’s Workforce North initiative arrives at a critical moment for the Highlands.  On one side, the region is seeing unprecedented levels of investment in renewable energy, infrastructure, and construction.