Loganair will be introducing a new direct air connection between Islay and Edinburgh in 2019.

Much like our ferry service, regular fights from Islay are not a luxury, they are an essential lifeline service.

This expansion in service will allow much quicker travel time to and from Edinburgh and this will also facilitate air travel between Islay along with other parts of the world which are served more easily via Edinburgh than Glasgow.

Loganair have said this will not impact the Glasgow flight timetable for next year which will continue as it is.

This is welcome news and will help see our local Islay economy grow further, particularly in our tourism sector. Finally Islay is starting to see some much needed recognition as a fast growing entrepreneurial and tourism hub. Transport links to match our economic and industrial growth will help see Islay and Jura's future secured.

Cllr Alastair Redman