A Highlands and Islands MSP has said that the SNP’s Green coalition partners must not be allowed to block proposals for investment in air services in his region.
Scottish Conservative Jamie Halcro Johnston issued his warning after two of the region’s transport agencies, Highlands and Islands Airports Ltd (Hial) and regional transport partnership Hitrans, said air connectivity was essential for lifeline services and supporting the region’s economy.
Mr Halcro Johnston, the Shadow Business and Trade Minister, said: “The Greens have already been successful in sowing doubt over the dualling of the A9 and A96, and are opposing the creation of two new freeports in Scotland, one of which could well come to the Highlands and Islands.
“Judging by their track record, I’ve no doubt that, if they could, they would scotch much-needed investment in our aviation infrastructure too.
“The Highlands and Islands badly needs investment in its transport infrastructure which, as we can see from the state of the ferry service and the roads, has been neglected by the SNP.
“Bringing the Greens into government was a terrible decision by Nicola Sturgeon and one that I’d imagine she is already regretting.
“It’s now crucial that she recognises her mistake and that they are not allowed anywhere near decisions about improving the transport connectivity of the Highlands and Islands.”
