Loganair take over
inter-island route

Loganair take over inter-island route

Comhairle nan Eilean Siar have announced that a short-term agreement has been negotiated with Loganair to take over the Stornoway-Benbecula inter-island PSO (Public Service Obligation).

The inter-island route has been cancelled for the past two days in the wake of the demise of Highland Airways, who had been operating the contract on behalf of the Comhairle.

Chair of Transportation Committee, Councillor Donald Manford said: ‘I am delighted that a speedy resolution has been agreed following the announcement that Highland Airways had gone into administration. Comhairle nan Eilean Siar has terminated their contract with Highland Airways. Loganair have been awarded an interim contract and a new service will commence on Monday 29th March 2010 with minor alterations to the timetable.

‘I would like to acknowledge the hard work of council officers including officers of the Scottish Government and Loganair which allowed a speedy resolution to a difficult situation with minimum disruption.’

Loganair’s commercial director Jonathan Hinkles said the company had moved as quickly as possible to maintain the essential air service: ‘Loganair is pleased to be able to assist travellers and the CNES by stepping in at a moment’s notice to keep the route open,’ he said.

Meanwhile, Western Isles MP, Angus MacNeil has questioned the role of HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) in the demise of Highland Airways: ‘The reason I am tabling these questions is that it is alleged that HMRC have been responsible for the demise of many companies during this recession, said Mr MacNeil. ‘I sincerely hope that this is not the case in the demise of Highland Airways. They have to come clean about what exactly their role was in this company having to be put into administration.’