Talks ongoing ahead of planned airport strikes in Highlands

Further talks are set to take place between airport bosses and unions ahead of planned strikes in the Highlands and Islands.

Bosses at Highlands and Islands Airports (HIAL) will also submit a new business case today to Transport Scotland in a bid to reach agreement.

Strikes over pay are set to force Inverness Airport to shut on March 13 and 17.

Airports in Stornoway, Benbecula, Islay and Dundee – also operated by HIAL – will also be closed on either the same or different dates this month.

Strikes will close Inverness Airport ahead of suspension of island flights

HIAL managing director, Inglis Lyon, said: "HIAL chair, Lorna Jack and I, were grateful for the opportunity to discuss the latest position on the strikes, as well as Loganair’s announcement, with the Transport Minister over the weekend, and we are now developing a new business case for Transport Scotland which we will submit today and discuss with union representatives over the next few days.

"Having previously exhausted our options in terms of the existing parameters of public sector pay flexibility, we have been advised that there may now be further options which could help pursue an agreement which works for all parties involved.

"The Loganair announcement to temporarily suspend some flights would cause considerable disruption for our island communities, and we are acutely aware of the impact that could have on people who rely on what can often be described as lifeline services in those areas.

"Having met with union representatives this morning to provide an update on the position, and on the assumption that the business case is approved, we will be having further discussions soon."

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