A long held dream of travellers and businesses to resuscitate Skye’s dormant airport is a significant step closer to reality.
Councillors yesterday gave their backing to lobby the Scottish Government over proposals to reopen the Broadford facility, almost 30 years after it ceased commercial flights.
The council’s Skye and Raasay Committee last month welcomed a business study for transport agency Hitrans, the council and development agency Highlands and Islands Enterprise that forecasts a 30-year benefit of between £36million and £46million for the local economy depending on the size of aircraft. The largest aircraft would be 19-seaters.
The study estimates a £2.21p return for every £1 invested in the airport.
The region’s planning committee yesterday approved up to £30,000 of funding over two years to progress the airport’s reopening.
Scottish Government agency Transport Scotland has said any investment would be up to the council but has pledged to discuss the proposal and help it apply for subsidies through the system of Public Service Obligation.
The airstrip, at Ashaig, operated between 1972 and 1988.
Planning chairwoman Audrey Sinclair said: “Good transport links including regional air connectivity are vital to the economic success of communities in the Highlands and Islands.
“People want to come and visit our beautiful region and we want to make it as easy as possible for them to access all that we have to offer.”
The council is optimistic the new facility would be operational within two years.
Welcoming the committee’s decision, local SNP MSP Kate Forbes said a new airport would benefit islanders and visitors alike, not least by helping to extend the tourist season.
Highlands and Islands Labour MSP said a regional airport would provide a vital business link and help connect communitiesu.
