Air Discount Scheme Renewed And Extended To Sutherland
6th March 2019
The Air Discount Scheme (ADS) which provides cheaper air travel for islands and north Highland residents has been extended.
The scheme month has been renewed until 31 December 2020.
The ADS was due to run out of the end of this month and approval from the European Commission was required to permit the subsidy to continue.
ADS gives provides eligible travellers with a discount of 50% on core air fares.
The discount offered was increased from 40% up to 50% in 2016 by then transport minister Derek Mackay MSP in recognition of the high costs of flying to and from areas in Orkney, Shetland, Western Isles and the northof Scotland.
From April, the scheme is being extended to cover the whole of the Caithness area and further parts of Sutherland.
Students studying in the eligible areas, but whose main residence is elsewhere, will also be included in the scheme.
Transport secretary Michael Matheson said: "We know the Air Discount Scheme is very popular and plays a vital role in keeping our remote communities connected, so I'm delighted we can announce its renewal and extension.
"The eligibility area has been widened to include the entire Caithness postcode, as well as further parts of Sutherland, so more people than ever will be able to access cheaper air fares.
“We also want to encourage people to come to these areas to study, so students at the seven colleges within the eligible areas will now also be able to sign up to the scheme.
“This announcement directly tackles the issue of high air fares in the Highlands and Islands and underlines the Scottish Government's commitment to supporting our remote communities."
