Danny Alexander, who represents Inverness, Nairn, Badenoch and Strathspey, wants an explanation from Mr Stevenson, who he claims originally suggested no expansion was needed.

His move comes after Highlands and Islands SNP MSP Dave Thompson said the transport minister had indicated a willingness to fund a £6 million expansion to cope with an increase in passenger numbers to 1 million. He said the minister did not believe there was a need to double the capacity to 1.5 million people — as Highlands and Islands Airports (HIA) wants — at this stage.

"There is still a real concern that the much smaller expansion scheme the minister now proposes could represent a false economy," Mr Alexander said. "The onus is on him to make his case if that is the option he favours.

"In doing so, he must recognise that some growth in the facilities at Dalcross is needed urgently and that it will always be necessary for the airport to cope with peak demand rather than just total passenger capacity spread over a year.

"The confusion which now exists in relation to the airport's future is very regrettable and I hope the minister will move quickly to explain his position directly."

After meeting the minister, Mr Thompson said Mr Stevenson was fully aware of the need for an expansion but that it may involve extending the terminal in stages.

"Mr Stevenson is awaiting alternative options from HIA and my understanding is that if HIA come forward with a proposal for an extension to cope with an increase of passengers to around the million mark, which would cost around £6 million, that this will be looked on favourably," he said.

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