Wishart blasts Ministers for lack of action on air travel review
Scottish Liberal Democrat and Shetland MSP Beatrice Wishart has written to the Scottish Government questioning their lack of action on the Highlands and Islands Air Discount Scheme after almost a year since the publishing of Transport Scotland's Aviation Statement which made the following commitment:
Improved connectivity in the Highlands and Islands
Action to deliver this outcome: Review the Highlands and Islands Air Discount Scheme – which offers a reduction in air fare costs for eligible Highlands and Islands residents – to consider how it could be made fairer and more effective, and to ensure it is providing value for money.
Writing to Jim Fairlie MSP, Minister for Connectivity, Wishart stated:
“You are aware that transport costs are prohibitively expensive for islanders who are at the mercy of air and sea links. With the lifeline ferry costs rising by 10% last January, which an FOI revealed the level of increase was requested by the Scottish Government not Northlink Ferries or CMAL, and a lack of competition on the air route, transport costs mean that for many islanders they are restricted in how many times they can travel annually. This has an impact on business, cultural pursuits, attendance at family events and limits opportunities that others living on Mainland Scotland may take for granted. It is also encourages depopulation as people tell me that due to increasing transport costs they can no longer afford to live in Shetland and maintain relationships with friends and family living elsewhere in the UK.
“I would appreciate it if you would let me know when a review will begin, how my constituents can contribute to the process, and what a timeline of this review will look like.”
Wishart has been following progress on the Highlands and Islands Air Discount Scheme in a series of written questions to the Scottish Government.
On the lack of action Wishart commented:
“Once again, this SNP Government is dragging its feet, proving how out of touch it is with Scotland’s islands.
“Air travel to the isles is an important part of our connection to the rest of Scotland for so many reasons from business trips to family events. It is often the faster and more convenient form of travel at short notice.
“With such high costs between Mainland Scotland and Shetland, and a lack of competition on the route, islanders are grateful for the Air Discount Scheme though many would like it to go further.
“The Scottish Government should get into gear and get this review off the ground. Islanders should not be left strung along like this.”
ENDS
Notes to Editors
The full text of Ms Wishart’s letter to the Minister:
Dear Jim
Aviation Statement and Key Priorities
Thank you for your responses to my written parliamentary questions (references: S6W-28903, S6W-37967 and 38187) regarding the Aviation Statement and Key Priorities of 24 July 2024 and the promised review of the Air Discount Review. I am extremely disappointed to see that, almost one year on from the statement, you informed me recently that:
Ministers are currently considering the scope and structure of the Air Discount Scheme review, including how the views of stakeholders can best be taken into account.
I fear this once again highlights the lack of urgency the Scottish Government has in addressing concerns held by those of us living in the Highlands and Islands.
You are aware that transport costs are prohibitively expensive for islanders who are at the mercy of air and sea links. With the lifeline ferry costs rising by 10% last January, which an FOI revealed the level of increase was requested by the Scottish Government not Northlink Ferries or CMAL, and a lack of competition on the air route, transport costs mean that for many islanders they are restricted in how many times they can travel annually. This has an impact on business, cultural pursuits, attendance at family events and limits opportunities that others living on Mainland Scotland may take for granted. It is also encourages depopulation as people tell me that due to increasing transport costs they can no longer afford to live in Shetland and maintain relationships with friends and family living elsewhere in the UK.
I would appreciate it if you would let me know when a review will begin, how my constituents can contribute to the process, and what a timeline of this review will look like.
Yours sincerely
Beatrice
The Aviation Statement and Key Priorities can be found here.
Ms Wishart’s written questions following the Aviation Statement:
- Asked by: Beatrice Wishart, MSP for Shetland Islands, Scottish Liberal Democrats
- Date lodged: 7 August 2024
- Current status: Answered by Jim Fairlie on 19 August 2024
Question
To ask the Scottish Government, in light of Transport Scotland's Aviation Statement, which was published on 24 July 2024, and in relation to the Highlands and Islands Air Discount Scheme, what process it will pursue when it states that it will "consider how it could be made fairer and more effective, and to ensure it is providing value for money".
Answer
The specification of the review of the Highlands and Islands Air Discount Scheme has yet to be determined. The review will, however, include consultation with scheme members and other stakeholders.
- Asked by: Beatrice Wishart, MSP for Shetland Islands, Scottish Liberal Democrats
- Date lodged: 29 May 2025
- Current status: Answered by Jim Fairlie on 10 June 2025
Question
To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S6W-28903 by Jim Fairlie on 19 August 2024, when the Highlands and Islands Air Discount Scheme review is expected to report, and what engagement is taking place with (a) passengers and (b) other stakeholders regarding the operation of the scheme.
Answer
Ministers are considering the scope and structure of the review, including how the views of stakeholders can best be taken into account.
- Asked by: Beatrice Wishart, MSP for Shetland Islands, Scottish Liberal Democrats
- Date lodged: 3 June 2025
- Current status: Answered by Jim Fairlie on 17 June 2025
Question
To ask the Scottish Government what consideration it has given to business travel to island communities, and whether the Air Discount Scheme review will give consideration to necessary travel for apprentices to access learning and the reintroduction of business travel to support island economies.
Answer
Ministers have no plans to consider business travel under the Air Discount Scheme, as this would be in breach of current State Aid compliance.
Ministers are currently considering the scope and structure of the Air Discount Scheme review, including how the views of stakeholders can best be taken into account.
A key priority for the Scottish Government is to encourage apprenticeship delivery in island and rural communities to support inclusive growth. Through Skills Development Scotland we introduced a rural uplift for Modern Apprenticeship delivery which is an increased payment to training providers to encourage provision in island and rural areas.
Travel and Subsistence (including accommodation) funding is also available to support Apprentices who must attend structured and formal off-the-job training (outwith normal daily travel requirements) where this is required by the Modern Apprenticeship Framework.