New island air links planned

[hoots the scoop]

Thought there was plans for Machrihanish to feature in something similar??

From the Scotsman today

http://news.scotsman.com/latest.cfm?id=2208272005

New island air links planned


Millions of pounds are to be spent on new island air links.

New airfields capable of handling scheduled services are to be set up on the islands of Coll and Colonsay.

And Oban Airport is to be upgraded to act as the hub of an island network.

The move was announced by First Minister Jack McConnell who said the links would help ensure a new Highland "renaissance".

"They will open up some of the most spectacular scenery in the world to more tourists," he said.

"They will make sure that businesses can remain connected. And they will make sure that more and more people choose to make the Highlands and Islands their home. This is an exciting project that will bring benefits to all of Scotland."

In a separate announcement, transport minister Tavish Scott said the Executive would continue to support the Glasgow to Barra air route, and a tender to run the service for three years from next April would be issued shortly.

Mr McConnell's announcement came at a meeting in Inveraray, Argyll, of the Convention of the Highlands and Islands.

The capital cost of the new network will be £6.2 million, of which nearly £3 million will come in the form of European funding and £1.5 million from Scottish Enterprise. Running costs in the first year, excluding the operation of Oban Airport, are expected to be £800,000, of which nearly £500,00 will come from Argyll and the Isles Enterprise.

[paraffin man]

Hoots, the local councillors here put up a fight to try & get Machrihanish as the hub, but there was never any intention from the council to spend money out there.

[Dunc]

When I was up in Wick airport we tried this takeover thing with Local Council but was a big no no no...Trying to get a profit from four DH3,s landing fees would,nt keep 6 firemen ATC staff in much of a job.Plus if the Council take them over they lose all the rates from the airfield,Even when oilboom was in its prime and we had up to 18 HS748,s on deck plus SK61,s we could,t make a profit.
Airports are big holes for finance other than major ones..That would really raise the Council Tax

[paraffin man]

[Airports are big holes for finance other than major ones..That would really raise the Council Tax]

Dunc, you are right with the above statement.....but without the airfield here where would we be????

Would our families & friends get the treatment they deserve from hospitals in Glasgow?

Would our families & friends get the use of the air ambulance service that is so vital to this area in times of emergencies?

What do the local businesses gain from the airfield?...

Yes any airport is a big draw on funds as they are expensive to operate, but it is a lifeline to this area & i certainly would rather see it remain.[/quote]