Loganair to offer lower flight fares for residents of Barra and Tiree

Residents of Barra and Tiree will be offered cheaper fares on flights to and from Glasgow.

Transport Scotland confirmed that the lower-cost tickets will come as part of a four-year £24m contract with the Scottish Government.

The contract will include new measures to improve vital services including subsidised flights from Glasgow to Barra, Tiree and Coll for residents.

Medical seat reservations has been expanded to the Tiree service, following a successful introduction on the Barra flights, to ensure seats are available at peak periods for medical-related travel at short notice.

Loganair which currently operates flights on these routes was awarded the contract that is set to be put in place on Wednesday.

The contract means that for the next year the maximum price for a single journey for Barra will be £91 and £81 for Tiree.

Minister for Transport, Fiona Hyslop, said: “We know how important these lifeline flights are for our rural and island communities, so I’m pleased to award the contract to Loganair to continue providing this service for a further four years.

“These air links offer vital connectivity for the people that rely on them, allowing them to travel for work, medical appointments, access to vital mainland services, as well as visiting family and friends.

“I’m also pleased to see new measures being brought in to improve the services, with capped fares for island residents and the extension of medical seat reservations.

“I congratulate Loganair on winning this contract and l look forward to seeing these enhanced services bring benefits to the communities they serve.”

Loganair’s chief executive, Jonathan Hinkles, said: “I’m delighted that Loganair will remain as the operator of the essential air services to Barra, Campbeltown and Tiree – routes that we’ve served for nearly 50 years.

The new contract award represents a huge vote of confidence in the dedicated team of Loganair pilots, engineers and ground staff who deliver these services day in, day out in all weathers across the year.

“I am truly grateful for this recognition by the Scottish Government of their efforts, and for the opportunity to continue our valued relationships with the communities in Barra, Campbeltown and Tiree who depend on these services.”