A group campaigning for air links to be restored to Skye claims recent road and bridge closures due to bad weather have highlighted the need for flights to be reinstated.
But they have stressed that improved land connections with the island were also needed.
FlySkye pointed out that closing the Skye Bridge due to high winds and road closures due to landslides had together “greatly hampered connectivity to Skye”.
Shirley Spear, a member of the campaign group and a leading figure in the local tourism industry, said: “Skye has had a remarkably successful year with many businesses commenting on the strength of demand on the back of a very busy spring and summer tourist season.
“There is huge concern that recent road transport issues, not only affect the ability of those who live in Skye to go about their daily lives, but also that those who wish to come here may be deterred by reports of unreliable transport links.”
Local councillors and others have questioned the need for the Skye Bridge to close for two prolonged periods over recent weeks.
Another FlySkye campaigner, Ian Blackford, said: “We desperately need air connectivity to boost the economy of Skye, but it must go hand in hand with reliable land transport links.
“Although we are primarily a campaign for air links to Skye, air connectivity has to be seen with the context of an overall package of first class land and air links to, and within, Skye.”
A spokesman for Bear Scotland said: “While we accept closures can have a considerable effect on the local and wider community, the wind management plan is in place to keep road users and the wider public safe.
“These plans also prevent the possibility of more prolonged disruption from high-sided vehicles being blown over.
“Bear Scotland is required to review the Skye Bridge wind management plan after all incidents and will be undertaking this with operational partners in the coming days to ensure the ongoing safe and efficient management of the bridge.”
