Former Liberal Democrat leader Charles Kennedy has pressed the UK Government to help establish passenger flights to and from an airport on Skye.
The MP for Ross, Skye and Lochaber asked ministers about using the Regional Air Connectivity Fund, which recently secured air links between Dundee and London.
Speaking at Scottish questions in Westminster yesterday, Mr Kennedy said the airports at Broadford and on Islay could be considered for the Westminster scheme.
He said: “They could both benefit if that excellent scheme were extended in conjunction with the Scottish Government: in the case of Islay, because it lacks a public service obligation and wants more commercialism; and in the case of Broadford, by re-establishing passenger links.”
Scotland Office minister David Mundell responded: “I will most certainly take on board what the right honourable gentleman says on his behalf and that of his colleagues.
“I am sure that everybody would welcome the opportunity to fly over the sea to Skye.”
Speaking afterwards, Mr Kennedy said: “I welcome the government’s continuing positive tone on the prospect of Broadford coming back into public commercial use. It would be a most significant step forward for the economy of Skye and Lochalsh.
“Despite the referendum argument raging I do hope that this summer will see constructive co-operation involving Highland Council, the Scottish government and, of course, Westminster on the matter.
“The excellent and broadly based local campaign is having positive influence nationally. That needs now to be matched regionally and nationally.”