21st February 2024
Caithness Chamber CEO Trudy Morris, “delighted” by the confirmation of Funding for Wick-Aberdeen PSO for 2024/25 following significant lobbying efforts led by Caithness Chamber of Commerce’s campaign to safeguard the life-line air service.
Today, Trudy Morris, CEO of Caithness Chamber of Commerce and Chair of the Caithness Transport Forum, expressed relief and delight at the formal confirmation from Transport Scotland regarding the continuation of funding for the Wick-Aberdeen PSO for 2024/25. The Chamber spearheaded extensive lobbying efforts in a campaign aimed at safeguarding the lifeline air services from the airport, amidst concerns surrounding uncertainty over funding from the Scottish Government.
Trudy Morris, CEO of Caithness Chamber of Commerce commented:
“Connectivity is a major factor in securing economic growth, attracting new opportunities, employment, and sustaining flourishing communities for our region, and is indeed a vital component in addressing depopulation and retaining future generations.”
“Our region boasts one of the most diverse economies in Scotland, and the North Highlands play a crucial role in Scotland’s transition to renewable energy, particularly with the development of national assets such as space, offshore wind, and essential electricity transmission infrastructure. The importance of transport connectivity cannot be overstated in harnessing and enabling these transformative opportunities for our region and communities.”
“Air services at Wick John O’Groats Airport are an essential part of our region’s transport ecosystem, physically connecting our businesses and communities to important markets, opportunities, and essential healthcare and travel needs.
“We fully appreciate the challenging budgetary constraints faced by the Government, and we are delighted and relieved by the announcement made today.”
“The Chamber in partnership with local stakeholders is united in our vision and commitment to fostering growth and prosperity in our region. We will continue to work together to build upon opportunities for the airport and advocate for the voice of the North Highland businesses and communities.”
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From left to right. Dougie Cook, North Airports General Manager, Lorna Jack, Chair of Highlands and Islands Airports ltd, Trudy Morris, CEO Caithness Chamber of Commerce, Ellie Lamont, Vice Chair of Venture North, Louise Sinclair, Vice Chair of Caithness Chamber of Commerce and Gordon Duncan, Highland Council
Caithness Chamber of Commerce, with funding from NRS Dounreay, developed the original business case for the PSO from Wick John O’Groats Airport. Scheduled air services restarted on April 11 2022, with the first flight to Aberdeen leaving Wick since before the Covid pandemic. Alongside key stakeholders, the Chamber has continued to play a pivotal role in partnership efforts to safeguard, develop and grow the service.
Representatives of Caithness Chamber of Commerce met with Cabinet Secretary, Fiona Hyslop, MSP on January 25th to articulate concerns regarding the ongoing connectivity challenges faced by the North Highland region and to advocate for the support of vital lifeline air connectivity provided through the Public Service Obligation (PSO) currently in place at Wick John O’Groats Airport.
Air service between Wick John O’Groats and Aberdeen airports is operated under a Public Service Obligation (PSO) between The Highland Council and Eastern Airways.
