Council leader welcomed Wick Air Service Funding for 2026/27

30th July 2026

The Leader of The Highland Council has welcomed confirmation from Transport Scotland of almost £1.8 million funding to support Public Service Obligation (PSO) air services from Wick for the year ahead.

Following an open tender exercise, the Council has awarded the contract to Air Charter Scotland, which will continue to operate services between Wick and Aberdeen and introduce scheduled flights between Wick and Glasgow from 15 August 2026 to 14 August 2027.

The service will operate using an 18-seat BAe Jetstream 32 aircraft, providing four flights per week to Aberdeen and three flights per week to Glasgow.

Leader of The Highland Council, Councillor Raymond Bremner said: "I am delighted that Transport Scotland has confirmed funding for the Wick PSO air service for the year ahead.

"At a time when the aviation sector continues to face wider uncertainty, this funding demonstrates the shared commitment of both Transport Scotland and The Highland Council to maintaining vital air connectivity for our communities.

"I am particularly pleased that, alongside the continuation of flights to Aberdeen, the new contract introduces scheduled services to Glasgow, responding to longstanding demand for improved links with Scotland's Central Belt and creating new opportunities for business, healthcare travel, tourism and onward national and international connections.

"While today's announcement is very welcome, it is important that routes such as Wick continue to be recognised as lifeline services in future discussions around aviation policy and regional connectivity. These services play a crucial role in supporting the sustainability and economic prosperity of remote and rural communities.

"I would like to thank Transport Scotland, Highlands and Islands Airports Limited, Air Charter Scotland, Council officers and all partners involved in securing this outcome. Most importantly, I would like to thank the passengers and local communities whose continued support helps demonstrate the importance of maintaining these connections for the North Highlands."

Residents, businesses and visitors can find further information, including FAQs on the Council’s website which will be updated shortly.

 

Related Businesses

 

Related Articles

Today : Local Authority

Councillors set to challenge huge Highland powerline plan

Highland councillors are set to reaffirm their opposition to a massive new 400kV powerline stretching across the region when they meet today.   The North and South Planning Committees are joining forces to consider the proposed Spittal–Loch Buidhe–Beauly transmission project, one of the biggest electricity infrastructure schemes ever proposed in the Highlands.  

Today : Local Authority

 
Why Are Scottish Pupils Falling Behind England? The PISA Results Demand a Rethink

There are few subjects more important to parents than the education their children receive.  It determines not only what they know when they leave school, but increasingly their opportunities throughout adult life.  

Today : Local Authority

From Abeyance to 18 Candidates: What Has Happened to Latheron, Lybster & Clyth Community Council?” 18 Candidates For 6 Seats

Following the close of nominations on Monday 7 September noon, the statements of persons nominated for each community council have been published on the council’s website.  Now able to confirm that out of 20 Community Councils seeking membership, 15 have formed, 4 have not formed and 1 may require an election as they exceed the number of available vacancies.  

Yesterday : Local Authority

Where Will the Cuts Fall? Scotland’s Public Services Face Another Squeeze

The Scottish Government is facing a difficult financial year.  But the real question for councils, NHS boards and other public bodies is simple who will absorb the pressure? The latest Scottish Fiscal Commission report contains an important warning for Scotland's public services.  

7/9/2026 : Local Authority

 
Highland Council opens statutory public consultation on a Tiered Fixed-Amount Visitor Levy proposal

All residents, businesses, community groups and visitors are being encouraged to have their say on a proposal for a tiered fixed-rate amount Visitor Levy in Highland.  The public consultation survey is now open (Monday 7 September) for a 12-week statutory period.  

6/9/2026 : Local Authority

Highland's £2.1 Billion Promise - Big Plans Meet a Very Different Financial Reality

£2.1 billion is a difficult number for most people to comprehend.   It is so large that it can make almost any announcement sound impressive.  

4/9/2026 : Local Authority

 
Eilidh Primrose is the New Highland Youth Convener

The Highlands has a new young people’s champion after confirmation that Eilidh Primrose has taken up the role of Highland Youth Convener for 2026-27.   Twenty-two-year-old Eilidh, who lives in Inverness, is the 18th person appointed to the position and has taken over from Leah McBain.  

1/9/2026 : Local Authority

What Changes in Highland Today? New Rules for Private Hire Drivers and a Fresh Garden Waste Year

For most people in Highland, 1 September is simply the start of another month.  But today also marks the beginning of two changes introduced by Highland Council which will affect different groups of residents.  

2/9/2026 : Local Authority

 
Candidates for Highland Council Ward 3 Wick and East Caithness By-Election confirmed

Following today’s deadline for nominations, The Highland Council can confirm the details of the 5 candidates that are standing in the Ward 3 Wick and East Caithness by-election.  There are 5 candidaes.  

31/8/2026 : Local Authority

Head Teacher at Thurso High School, outlined measures that have helped improve educational outcomes

Highland Council’s strategy to raise attainment in the region is making good progress, with encouraging early data emerging from this year's examination results.   Last week councillors on the education committee noted the work undertaken in Highland Council's Education and Learning Improvement Plan (ELIP) and the associated Raising Attainment and Achievement Strategy (RAAS).