Western Isles SNP MSP, Alasdair Allan, has today contacted the Government for more detail on their contingency plan to provide cover for lifeline island air routes should Highland Airways prove unable to do so.

Alasdair Allan commented:

"I am aware that the Scottish Government is as concerned as I am to ensure that the apparent difficulties at Highland Airways do not compromise vital air services to the islands. I have therefore written to the Scottish Government and Loganair asking them when they will be in a position to provide more detail on what form this might take.

"I have already raised this matter with the Transport Minister and am hopeful that passengers will not suffer whatever the outcome of Highland Airways present problems should be. I am conscious that Highland Airways is also an employer of a hundred people for whom this is a very difficult time and have urged the Scottish Government to maintain all possible contact with the company."