Welcome for plane purchase tender 14/7/14
The SNP Group at Comhairle nan Eilean Siar has applauded the Scottish Government for its commitment to retain and improve the public subsidised air routes for Barra.
The Scottish Government is to buy two new planes which can land on Barra’s beach runway. The aircraft will be leased to the winner of a separate contract to operate flights between the island and Glasgow.
There are no longer air services between Barra and the rest of the Western Isles after councillors voted to abolish the link.
The SNP group said it believed the plane tender will “strengthen Barra and Vatersay
community's excellent initiative to re-
Cllr Donald Manford highlighted that “due to the specialised nature of the aircraft needed here, continuation of the service could only be achieved if the government also agreed to provide the aircraft”
“This is an enormous commitment to the people of Barra and Vatersay and one which is recognised and sincerely appreciated."
“This commitment will enable the new aircraft to be available for the next round
of tendering and hopefully also encourage more competition.”