7 November 2005
The Scottish First Minister has announced a funding package of around GBP6m million to create a new regional air hub in Oban and new licensed airfields on the islands of Coll and Colonsay. Jack McConnell said Oban Airport, owned by Argyll and Bute Council, would benefit from major improvements. ‘Where once people were leaving their communities in search of jobs, they are now staying and helping their area to thrive.’ A new air service will integrate with the existing scheduled services between Tiree and Glasgow and allow the Argyll Island air network to link with Highland and national services. The changes are aimed at offering an alternative to the existing ferry service, opening up the area to increased business and tourism.
William Roe, Head of Highlands and Islands Enterprise, said ‘These islands don’t have a daily connection to the outside world during the winter which makes travel of any sort difficult.’ Figures last year showed an overall increase in passengers at Scotland’s most remote and northerly airports, operated by state-run Highlands and Islands Airports (HIAL).
http://www.hie.co.uk/HIE-no-frills-air-study-pt1.pdf
