Answers are being sought by the leader of Highland Council over the future of Wick John O’Groats Airport.
Leader Margaret Davidson has demanded a meeting with Transport Secretary Michael Matheson after raising her “deepest concerns” over the decision by Eastern Airways to withdraw their scheduled services between Wick and Aberdeen, leaving Wick with no commercial operators.
The move comes after Loganair also ceased its flights between Wick and Edinburgh.
Mrs Davidson said: “This is a deeply disappointing decision and one which further demonstrates the need for an ambitious new approach to protecting our vital regional aviation links.”
She hopes to secure a meeting to discuss the business case presented to Transport Scotland for a public service obligation (PSO) and other measures to support the lifeline airport.
Her plea has been echoed by councillors in Caithness.
Councillor Willie Mackay said reliable air links are “crucial” to “driving forward our economy” to allow for stronger recovery from the impacts of the coronavirus pandemic.
Matthew Reiss added: “No ifs, no buts. If Dundee airport has a PSO, we need one to secure the future of Wick airport too.”
A Transport Scotland spokesman said: “We recognise the issues faced by the Caithness area in relation to the loss of the Wick to Aberdeen and Edinburgh air services, as well as more generally.
“We are carefully considering the business case submitted by the Caithness Chamber of Commerce and will respond as soon as we can.”
