Flights between Wick and Edinburgh not ruled out, says Highland Council
THE resumption of flights between Wick and Edinburgh has not been ruled out by Highland Council although it stressed no viable tenders were received for the re-instatement of the service.
The local authority, along with the Scottish Government, is helping to fund a public service obligation (PSO) for the Wick to Aberdeen route next month but, at present, flights between Caithness and Scotland's capital are not taking off. However, the council indicated the link could start up again at a later date.
The county was left without scheduled flights after the loss of the Wick/Edinburgh and Wick/Aberdeen routes in 2020.
But now Eastern Airways has been awarded a contract for a year-round service using a low-emission aircraft between Wick John O' Groats airport and the granite city. It will operate as a PSO, last for three years and will be funded by £1 million from Transport Scotland and £300,000 a year from the local authority.The move will create around 20 new direct and indirect jobs.
Asked about the possibility of a Wick to Edinburgh link being resumed, a Highland Council spokeswoman said: "There was no viable tenders received for the Edinburgh route. The Aberdeen route represented excellent value and met the needs of the local community, commuters and leisure travellers. Aberdeen provides excellent connections both nationally and internationally."
But she added: "The Edinburgh link will be looked at as and when we assess passenger demand and as funds allow."
Caithness, Sutherland and easter Ross MP, Jamie Stone, believes the resumption of flights between Wick and Edinburgh is crucial for the far north.
He has vowed to continue to fight to try and get further flights operating from the Caithness airport, especially the link to Edinburgh.
Trudy Morris, chief executive of Caithness Chamber of Commerce, is also keen to see the expansion of air services to and from Wick.
She said as the local economy grows in years to come so will the requirement for transport connections to and from the area.
Andy Bruce, who ran Far North Aviation at Wick for many years before retiring, would like to see political pressure applied to try and get the Wick to Edinburgh flight – previously provided by Loganair – reinstated as well as the Wick to Aberdeen service.
As previously reported, a phased introduction of flights between Wick and Aberdeen will begin on April 11, with a full service starting two weeks later.
