Union calls for "serious offer" in the face of strike action at Inverness Airport and five other Scottish sites

Twenty-two flights in and out of Inverness Airport were cancelled as a result of the one-day stoppage by air traffic controller members of Prospect.

Operations were also affected at Sumburgh, Kirkwall, Dundee, Benbecula and Stornoway.

The union is pushing for a 10 per cent pay rise for its members, arguing this will bring them into line with their counterparts in the private sector.

Highlands and Islands Airports Ltd (Hial), which is overseen by the Scottish Government, says it cannot negotiate beyond the bounds set by ministers, which bar such a significant rise.

Prospect negotiator David Avery said: "We did not want to have to take this action today, but our members have lost patience with the lack of engagement from Hial and Scottish ministers.

"We are pleased with the strong response from our members which was exactly what we expected given the overwhelming response to the strike ballot.

"The emphasis is now on the employer and on ministers to come back with a serious offer so that we can move forward."

Hial and the union are due to meet again on Monday though this is part of a series of regular meetings and not specifically to discuss the pay dispute.

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