Improving connectivity across the Highlands and Islands must be at the top of the agenda for all candidates as we head towards the next Scottish Elections.
For too long, the Scottish Government has prioritised the central belt over the Highlands when it comes connectivity. The justification for spending over £740 million to speed up train journey times between Edinburgh and Glasgow by just 9 minutes, when it still takes over 8 hours to travel from Wick to Edinburgh by train is questionable.
Unfortunately, the Central Belt is so often prioritised over the Highlands. Where is our superfast broadband and when will all the A9 be improved? We need both to attract new businesses and families to Caithness.
We must also secure the long-term viability of Wick John O’Groats Airport.
I have joined cross party calls for a PSO for the Airport and began pressing the Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Infrastructure and Connectivity for this to be granted back in August 2018. However, the Cabinet Secretary has been slow to respond.
The strong case for a PSO has never gone away and it was made even more compelling last summer when the airport was dealt a devastating double blow as Eastern Airways and Loganair withdrew the last two commercial routes.
While demand for flights dramatically reduced as a consequence of the pandemic, I believe this is only temporary and the airport remains a crucial piece of transport infrastructure that we cannot afford to lose.
Indeed, the prolonged loss of scheduled flights has continued to hurt the Far North economy. Only a few week ago, Wick Harbour Authority announced that construction workers for the Moray East Windfarm will now be operating their crew transfers from Buckie instead of Wick due to the lack of flights.
I therefore welcome the news then that the Scottish Government has announced funding of up to £1 million per annum for the airport following concerted pressure from stakeholders and cross-party lobbying from MPs and MSPs.
But while I welcome this funding, unless the total amount that is needed, estimated at £3 million a year by Caithness Chamber of Commerce is secured, then Wick John O’Groats Airport is not saved. We cannot relax.
A joint approach to funding is needed. That is why Cllr Struan Mackie and I were delighted to coordinate a positive meeting with the Secretary of State of Scotland this week to investigate if there are ways the UK Government can help too.
The Secretary of State is very supportive of the PSO and has undertaken to confirm how an application may be made to the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. There are encouraging signs that representations could be made to other shared UK prosperity funds as well.
Looking ahead to the future it is now vital that the swift progress is made on securing all the funding that is required to protect the future of our airport. The airport that is needed to connect our local business community, our tourism sector and our health care.
I will continue to do everything I can to ensure the future of Wick John O’Groats Airport is protected it is vital for the recovery of the Far North economy.
**Originally published in The Caithness Courier, 10 February 2021
