Nicola Sturgeon has pledged that the Scottish Government will do all it can to support Loganair to help the airline through the coronavirus crisis.
Loganair has appealed for financial support after grounding all flights, apart from those providing essential deliveries such as medical supplies and mail to remote areas and islands.
The company has argued that it is “critical” that the company keeps flying vital routes, because, unlike other airlines, seeking bail-outs, its customers depend on its service.
Loganair provides flights to the Outer Hebrides and Northern Isles, amongst other remote places.
Loganair chief executive Jonathan Hinkles has said the firm is seeking government help.
I asked Ms Sturgeon at her daily coronavirus briefing whether the Scottish Government would support the airline and if there were contingency plans if the firm gets into further financial difficulties.
The first minister replied: “We have been working closely with Loganair to make sure we are protecting essential services from our islands to the mainland and also making sure there are services for emergency purposes.”
She added: “Those discussions are going to continue and we will do everything we can to make sure the company is supported.”
