Planes

Sir,

With the raising of the Air Discount Scheme rate to 50%, it might be anticipated that islanders would be pleased at some little lowering of air fares, however the climate in which this small advance takes place is not good.

For years now the Comhairle has highlighted the need for an acceptable air service to and from the islands which is safe and affordable, regrettably there is increasing concern over the safety of Flybe/Loganair aircraft with almost daily stories of the inadequacy of the aircraft.

I remember as a student travelling back and fore to Inverness en route to Aberdeen, in wide-bodied, comfortable aircraft with plenty of room for cabin baggage, no restriction on hold baggage, adequate leg room, a full complement of passengers, cabin service down the central aisle and the plane carried cargo too! It is obvious that the present service has deteriorated significantly since then.

Scottish Government should contribute to the cost of new aircraft for the islands

4 January 2016

There is no doubt but that the present aircraft need to be replaced- and quickly!- yet Flybe/Loganair appear to be reluctant to act on this. Given that the Transport Minister and the First Minister have joined the chorus of concern, there is a need for urgent action. Now is the time for the Scottish Government to intervene and assist in the purchase of suitable safe aircraft for the Scottish Islands routes.

These aircraft should be the modern version of the aircraft I flew on so many years ago, with a good safety record, comfort for passengers (not packed like herring in a barrel), modern baggage allowances (to reflect the fact that many passengers will have connecting flights to Europe and beyond), reintroduce a sensible cargo policy - perhaps we might again have our papers in the morning- remove the restriction on business travel and make flying to and from the Scottish Islands the pleasure it once was.

I am in no doubt that such improvements, coupled with a more realistic fare structure, will result in more customers, more satisfied customers, using the services more regularly.

Angus McCormack

Cllr Stornoway South