In normal times the weak pound would be a double bonus, attracting foreign tourists and encouraging Britons to holiday here rather than abroad. But the economic downturn seems to be all but cancelling this out, with people either booking shorter holidays or not going away at all as they seek to save money.

So the decision by budget airline easyJet to cancel its weekend flights between Bristol and Inverness at short notice and at the height of the season is particularly unfortunate.

The service is an important holiday route, bringing people from across south Wales and the West Country to the Highlands, and its loss for at least three weekends represents a significant blow.

The reason, the company says, is the air traffic controllers strike in Europe, which is stranding many of its aircraft abroad. In such circumstances easyJet has difficult choices to make and Inverness and Bristol, which are not the only cities to suffer, probably have little choice but to bite the bullet.

However, the company ought to be managing the situation better. One Inverness family were assured their flight had not been cancelled despite receiving an e-mail saying it had. They were eventually only able to clarify what was going on by contacting Inverness Airport.

Tourists are this region's economic lifeblood and we urge easyJet to restore normal service as quickly as possible. And in the meantime it must ensure it speaks with one voice to its customers.

Worlds apart

TODAY, as the chief executive of BP prepares to leave his job with a multimillion pound pay off and a massive pension as reward for mismanaging one of the most damaging episodes in the company's history, it is refreshing to report on an enterprise which proves that a successful business can also have a social conscience.

Ness Soap was established five years ago to provide people with learning disabilities a taste of the world of work. It produced novelty soaps which it sold to local people and, increasingly, to tourist outlets.

Fast forward to 2010 and the venture is anticipating a £100,000 turnover and aims to work with 30 trainees over the next three years. It has also just moved into new city centre premises in Strothers Lane, having outgrown its previous home at Merkinch's Corbett Centre.

Most importantly, it literally changes the lives of those who become involved, whether they be disabled, long term unemployed or simply lacking in confidence, by giving them a renewed sense of self worth. In doing so it also saves the state money as the trainees become progressively more independent.

Many local businesses are already assisting Ness Soap by stocking its products, but we can all do our bit by calling into the new shop and choosing from its unique, hand made range of soaps, shower gels, bubble baths and body lotions.

It is the perfect excuse to pamper yourself!

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