4 October 2016
+VIDEO A little-used airstrip on the Isle of Skye could become a fully-fledged airport within two years, according to an outline business plan approved by the Highland Council.
The tarmac runway at Ashaig Airfield, near Broadford, built in the 1970s by Army engineers, could bring socio-economic benefits to the island and the wider Highland area.
The Skye Air Services Business Case 2016 Report says that over 30 years the flights could generate £36m to £46m, depending on whether nine-seat or 19-seat aircraft are used. The benefit:cost ratio is estimated to be around 2:21 which means that for every £1 spent in investment, there would be £2.21 of benefit to the area.
Video of a landing at Ashaig Airfield
Chair of the Isle of Skye and Raasay Committee, Cllr Drew Millar said, “This is a very exciting report. The reintroduction of scheduled flights to Skye would be an enormous boost to our local economy and the cost benefit analysis clearly proves how valuable this would be.”
Leader of the Council, Margaret Davidson added: “Good transport links, including regional air connectivity, are vital to the economic success of communities in the Highlands and Islands. People want to come and visit our beautiful region and we want to make it as easy as possible for them to access all that we have to offer.”
Ashaig Airfield was once used by Loganair for scheduled services, and has been maintained by the Highland Council. These days, it’s primarily used by the emergency services and Skye Flying Club which operates three microlight aircraft.
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Highland Council
Skye Flying Club
