New funding for Wick/Aberdeen air link is ‘testament to the power of partnership working’
Highland Council leader Raymond Bremner has expressed his delight that flights between Wick and Aberdeen are to continue, describing the funding announcement as “a strong recognition from the Scottish Government of the importance of this service to the region”.
He hailed the ongoing commitment as “a testament to the power of partnership working” and stressed that Wick John O’Groats Airport can help in enabling “a wealth of opportunities in the region” in years to come.
The existing three-year agreement between Highland Council and the Scottish Government to fund a public service obligation (PSO) on the Wick/Aberdeen route, operated by Eastern Airways, runs out at the end of this month.
The continuation of government funding into the financial year 2025/26 was announced on Thursday night, ending a period of uncertainty over the future of air links to and from Caithness beyond March 31.
Earlier in the week the local authority had submitted a final output report from the Wick John O’Groats Airport Working Group to Transport Scotland. At the same time, Caithness Chamber of Commerce called on the Scottish Government to not only commit to the next 12 months but to consider extending the deal for a further four years after that.
The funding provided by the Scottish Government in 2025/26 will be up to £1 million, as in previous years, while the local authority will continue with its own already agreed commitment of £300,000.
The working group’s report highlighted several key opportunities for “future sustainable delivery of services” at Wick John O’Groats Airport, as well as the prospects for “substantial economic growth” in the north Highlands over the coming decade.
Councillor Bremner, who represents the Wick and East Caithness ward and is chairman of the Wick John O’Groats Airport Working Group, said: “I am delighted that the Scottish Government has decided to continue funding this lifeline service for another year.
“The continued provision of scheduled air services is vital in enabling the community of the north Highlands to access employment, education, healthcare and leisure opportunities, and this announcement marks a strong recognition from the Scottish Government of the importance of this service to the region.
“The report of the working group highlighted the key role that Wick John O’Groats Airport will play in the coming years in enabling a wealth of opportunities in the region. This continued support for the PSO will also provide local partners with the short-term certainty they require to progress the vital work of realising these opportunities.
“While led by Highland Council, the working group and its role in securing this ongoing commitment is a testament to the power of partnership working, and I would like to thank all of those who were involved in producing the report and driving the work of the group forward.”
Councillor Bremner added: “I personally, and the council as a whole, look forward to continuing to work closely with partners across the north Highlands, as well as with colleagues in Highlands and Islands Airports Ltd and Transport Scotland, to ensure the long-term sustainability and growth of Wick John O’Groats Airport.”
The PSO began in April 2022. In November last year it was reported that changes to the Wick/Aberdeen flight schedule had brought “positive results”, with fewer cancellations and an increase in passenger numbers.
From time to time, though, some passengers have expressed frustration over flight cancellations, sometimes at short notice.
Monday and Friday are the only days on which there are both morning and early-evening flights from Wick John O’Groats Airport. Flights operate on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday.