Frequency of Inverness to islands flights to be restored

The Scottish government says flights from Inverness to the Western and Northern isles are to be fully restored later this year.

Loganair reduced services last month due to sustainability concerns, but the airline said they could return to normal in October if funding was available.

Highlands and Islands Airports Ltd (Hial) has received more than £1m Scottish government funding to reinstate the frequency of connections from Inverness to Stornoway Kirkwall and Sumburgh.

The restored services are due to start from 26 October, with the funding covering flights up until April.

Economy, Tourism and Transport Secretary Stephen Flynn said he was pleased the funding had been confirmed.

He said: "Hial and Loganair have worked collaboratively through commercial discussions to restart these services from 26 October, providing greater certainty to passengers.

"Transport Scotland will now work with Hial and industry stakeholders to discuss next steps for a sustainable, long-term solution to protect Highlands and Islands air services for those who rely on them."

Hial chief executive Paul Kelsall said the announcement was a "positive step" for passengers.

He said: "As has been the case throughout this process, we are committed to finding a lasting solution which benefits the passengers who use our airports.

"We will continue to work closely with Transport Scotland and all other stakeholders to put these routes on a sustainable, long-term footing."

Loganair chief executive Luke Farajallah said the airline recognised the routes "mattered enormously" to the people who relied on them.

He added: "We're a privately owned airline, and keeping thin routes like these flying isn't something we can always do alone, so we're genuinely pleased that the Scottish government has stepped in to make full services possible again from October."