A deal is close to being struck to save vital air services to three tiny islands after the flights faced being suspended due to a contract disagreement.
Negotiations between Hebridean Air Services Ltd (HASL) and Argyll and Bute Council to keep flights from Oban Airport to Coll, Colonsay and Tiree, were going on last night .
The local authority has a budget of £2.12million for these services as part of a three-year public service obligation contract (PSO).
But HASL wants an increase in this subsidy because of rising aviation costs.
The council’s current contract with HASL ends on Friday, May 15, and HASL had to give notice within 14 days that it would be discontinuing the service to comply with EU legislation.
If a contract renewal is not agreed in time, it is likely that the soonest these flights will be re-established is the start of summer 2016.
The flights are vital for islanders who take up hospital appointments in Oban, tourists, schoolchildren and power company workers and local authority employees.
Chairman of the Oban, Lorn and the Isles Area Committee, councillor Roddy McCuish, said: “This is all about finding a sustainable long-term future for these flights and we are absolutely delighted that negotiations will continue.
“We are fully committed to supporting our island communities which is why, despite the financial challenges facing us over the next few years, we’ve made over £2million available specifically to subsidise these flights, making them financially viable for a private operator.
“Following reassurances from Hebridean Air over the weekend we now have the comfort that its commitment to providing these services is equal to ours.
“We are hopeful that a positive resolution can be reached and we can achieve the outcome that everyone wants – a continuation of the lifeline air services.”
HASL could not respond for a comment yesterday.