A petition has been launched to change the name of Inverness Airport, in order to recognise one of the Highland’s most famous landmarks.
Renowned Nessie hunter, Steve Feltham, believes the Airport should be renamed Inverness Loch Ness Airport and is now appealing for the Highland community to support his efforts.
North Highland MSP Rob Gibson is backing the name change and believes the switch could be worth millions to the region.
Mr Feltham’s petition explains that: “The vast majority of visitors to Britain fly into London, with a list of things they want to see and do. Visiting Scotland is often high on their list.
“Loch Ness is arguably the most world famous destination in Scotland. People across the world recognize the name Loch Ness. To attract more visitors we should capitalise on this.
Change the name to “Inverness Loch Ness International Airport”.
“We will then be competing strongly with Edinburgh and Glasgow Airports. This should also help to make the new Heathrow to Inverness flights busier, thus helping to retain this vital link.”
It follows last week’s announcement of the resumption of British Airways flights between Inverness and London Heathrow next May – potentially tapping in to more international tourism. BA had ended its services between the two airports in 1997.
Business leaders and politicians in the north are predicting a major economic windfall for the region as a result of the new year-round service.
BA pulled the plug on a previous link 18 years ago due to lack of demand, before BMI reconnected the two airports between 2004 and 2008.
BA, which took over ailing BMI, now feels “the market has changed” and intends to operate a daily flight, each way, seven days a week.