Summary Reliable connections are essential for people to live, work, and visit the Scottish islands, and both ferry and air services play a crucial role in maintaining these connections.
Air travel offers faster and more flexible connections compared to ferry travel, with shorter travel times and more flight options available. This is beneficial for both locals and tourists.
The efficiency and cost advantages of air travel, including the use of smaller aircraft and multiple flights, make it a cost-effective option, especially during off-peak periods. Additionally, reliable air services promote tourism and contribute to the economic development of the islands.
Scotland has had air routes connecting its many inhabited islands to the mainland for a long time. In fact, the route from Kirkwall Airport (KOI) in the Orkney Islands to Inverness Airport (INV) is the longest-running commercial air route in the UK. Ferry routes, of course, are also an option, but there is still a key need for air links – for several good reasons.
1 Reliable connections
There is no legal obligation on the Scottish government to provide transport connections to the Scottish islands. However, under current government policy, support (and funding) is provided for this. Providing reliable connections helps to maintain the ability and appeal for people to live, work, and visit. Having the option of both ferry and air service is essential here. This has been highlighted in 2022 and 2023 with some severe shortcomings in ferry services.
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The main ferry operator in Scotland, Caledonian MacBrayne, has seen problems with boats being taken out of service for maintenance and delays in the delivery of new vessels, meaning it is unable to operate as many services as normal. An air alternative is very important here.
2 Fast (and flexible) connections
Boat travel may be seen as relaxing and convenient in some ways, but air travel is, of course, much quicker. The journey from Inverness to Stornoway (on the Outer Hebrides) takes around five hours by car and ferry, compared to just 45 minutes by air. (with Loganir up to four time a day) To the Shetland Islands is even more significant – over 12 hours by ferry from Aberdeen, compared to just over an hour by flight.
On many routes (including the ones just discussed), there are also more flight times and options available. The ferries tend to leave from one or two key ports, whereas flights are scheduled from several cities.
This is relevant for locals on the islands as well as visitors. Being able to travel off the islands quickly and easily can make a big quality-of-life difference for residents (and potentially encourage more to settle there).
3 Efficiency and cost
We won’t get into an analysis of whether ferry or air travel is more environmentally friendly. However, there are definite advantages with the flexibility air travel can offer with multiple flights, and lower-capacity aircraft. Especially off-peak, when travel volumes are lower, operating a smaller aircraft will likely be more cost-effective than a large ferry. This applies t cargo transport just as it does for passenger services.
Craig Graham Captures / Shutterstock
4 Promoting tourism
Having reliable and fast connections is very important for tourism. Many of the islands are popular tourist destinations and air links are more convenient for most. In many cases, ferry connections with a car are very difficult. And even with a car, the total ferry crossing costs can be very high. Flights from the main airports are more convenient, and tourists can then make tour or car hire arrangements on the islands.
5 Economic development Economic development
A final important point to consider is the impact on the economic development and opportunities for the islands. Like any location, the islands are keen to attract new business and investment, and guaranteed and reliable air services will help with this.
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This has been a quick discussion of an issue very important in Scotland. Air services in the highlands and islands region are currently doing well in the country – we reported recently how passenger numbers are up 10% in summer 2023, and almost back to pre-pandemic levels.
Feel free to discuss the air services, options, and reasons further in the comments section below.
5 Reasons Why Air Travel Is Vital For Keeping Scotland’s Islands Connected
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