A new direct flight service between Edinburgh and Islay has been warmly welcomed by two local politicians as a “major boost for the Islay and Jura economies”.

Loganair announced that they would run near daily flights between the Inner Hebridean island and Scotland’s capital, using one of their 34-seat Saab 340 aircrafts. They already operate flights to the island via Glasgow.

It is the first time that Loganair has run a scheduled air link from Edinburgh to the Inner Hebrides, and the operator stated that the service will begin from 25th March.

Highlands and Islands MSP Donald Cameron said:

“I am delighted that Loganair are investing in this new route. This is a welcome and hugely positive step for both Islay, and nearby Jura.

With new whisky distilleries opening on Islay, the recent renovation of the Machrie Hotel near Port Ellen, and the plans for Ardfin on Jura, and the new visitors that all these projects will bring, really do show that Islay and Jura are on the up.”

Local Councillor Alastair Redman said:

“I have heard from many local residents who are delighted at this announcement.

It is high time that Islay and Jura are being connected directly to our capital city, and I know that this will also make it easier for international visitors who are flying into Edinburgh to come straight to Islay to see what the area has to offer.