Scottish Conservative MSP Donald Cameron is demanding action to protect air services to the Inner Hebridean islands of Coll,  Colonsay and Tiree after Argyll and Bute Council confirmed that the service from Oban may cease, at least temporarily, after the current contract ends on 16th May.

Donald received the warning after the council’s Head of Economic Development and Strategic Transportation, Fergus Murray, replied to a letter from Donald asking for an update on the state of the contract negotiations

Donald said: “This air service is a lifeline for the communities that it serves on Coll, Colonsay and Tiree.

“Among the people who use it are pupils attending high school in Oban and medical professionals.

“It goes without saying that these island communities will be dismayed by this continued uncertainty.

“It is clear from this letter that funding air transport links to these islands presents major financial challenges for the council, which have been made much worse by years of unfair financial settlements from the Scottish Government.

“At the end of the day, SNP ministers in Holyrood control the purse strings and they have a responsibility to protect our most vulnerable island communities.

“They need to act now and use their powers to sort this matter out and provide islanders with the reassurance that the route is secure.”