Sir,
The news from the council that it apparently wishes to run it's own airline has sparked
considerable concern and alarm among communities in the Western Isles, this will
not be a surprise to anyone, except perhaps the council itself. What makes this situation
all the more serious is the reality that many of the air routes are, in urgent need
of improvement.
A tried and tested route for improvement already exists but to date
the council refuses to present that case for these routes:
"All EU member states have the legal authority (under the provisions of EU Air Services
Regulation 1008/2008) to impose a PSO in respect of scheduled air services on routes
serving peripheral or development regions within their jurisdiction. They can also
impose PSOs on cross-
The Comhairle historically had a proud
history of establishing these services. Sadly of the two routes it has responsibility
for, it has recently cut one and axed the other. It is scarcely believable that at
a time when it wants to establish flights to Orkney and Shetland it is discussing
axing the Stornoway/Benbecula flight, the only route left within the Western Isle
which as a "local"? authority, falls into its core responsibility.
The stark reality
is that communities in these islands do not trust this council to meet its responsibilities
fairly throughout the Outer Hebrides. Many believe this council's political administration
can't run bus services, much less our air services. The air service needs reform
but so crucially does Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, as in it's current form it is not
fit for purpose.
Cllr Donald Manford
Barraigh, Bhatarsaigh, Eiriosgaigh agus Uibhist a Deas
Letter: Council "not fit for purpose"
13 January 2016