Na h-Eileanan an Iar SNP MP Angus MacNeil has contacted Transport Minister, Jenny Gilruth regarding the suspension of Loganair flights due to ongoing HIAL industrial action.

Loganair have taken the decision to temporarily suspend services from Inverness to Stornoway, Benbecula, Kirkwall and Sumburgh, and between Kirkwall and Sumburgh due to the industrial action. Starting on Friday 17 March up to and including 30 April, no Loganair services will fly from the islands to Inverness. This could be extended into May.

Mr MacNeil said: “We cannot have a situation where these lifeline services are suspended, which will cause enormous disruption to island communities, and a resolution must be found.

“This will be especially difficult for those going to hospital in Inverness and those working in the oil industry. It will mirror the difficulty many constituents have come to me with accessing the hospital in Stornoway from Uist and particularly Barra when the Comhairle walked away from its transport commitments when it cut flights a number of years back.  

“This situation will affect even more people than the Comhairle’s flight axe.”