Benbecula air service

A full five day air service between Stornoway and Benbecula may be restored, under plans by the Comhairle.

However, the price of tickets for health board patients and other public sector passengers could soar through a complex reinstatement arrangement being advanced.

Despite widespread community condemnation, the council slashed the lifeline route to just three trips a week - Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday - in 2013.

The contentious move saved around £173,000. The council also abolished the connecting lifeline Benbecula - Barra air service. All travel out of Barra is now by ferry which causes problems for many, including hospital patients.

All but one councillor representing Uist - voted in favour and did not put forward any alternative suggestion or solution so the council diverted the non-ringfenced subsidy to other budgets.

Though the routes attracts public service obligation status, Western Isles Council says it is not legally obliged to spend central government funding to maintain the services.

Now, a proposed u-turn involves a complicated method to get a proper air service in place on the Benbecula to Stornoway route only. Barra flights are excluded from the plan.

The council is prepared to put up £72,000 on top of the present £256,000 yearly subsidy.

The proposed five-day flights could take-off in April if there are no legal obstacles.

Otherwise, a proposed full tendering exercise would take longer.

It is understood advice from a QC has been sought over legal issues particularly to avoid falling foul of EU and national legislation.

Introducing a tiered fares structure to charge significantly more for NHS patients and staff as well as personnel from other public agencies like SNH, is tied into the proposal.

Next month, councillors will debate providing a full five-day service including the basis of a proposed fares structure.

It is understood, under one option, the council could consider charging the full unsubsidised cost to the public sector travellers which could be around £115 a flight.

At the same time, ordinary passengers may be expected to pay subsidised rates which may be in the region of around £65 to £75 for a one-way seat.

A council spokesman said: “The council continue to explore the feasibility of an alternative funding and delivery mechanism which would enable the reinstatement of the five-day service.

“A number of legal and procurement issues are being explored further in consultation with Transport Scotland and Loganair, the responses from which will inform recommendations to

Bid to restore full five-day Benbecula air service

19 January 2015