For Argyll

Well, not actually Jack Russell but A Jack Russell. Highland Airways have had his booking from Coll to Oban and as yet do not know whether he’s flying solo or accompanied. But rest assured, he won’t be taking the controls. Not yet. He may have his eyes on a security job, though.

The new service got off to a bit of a slow start, being hit with the strike by firecrew’s trade union, Unite, in their dispute with Highlands and Islands Airports Ltd (HIAL). This closed Tiree Airport, one of HIAL’s portfolio and caused the cancellation of pre-booked reservations on the route. The scheduled services to Coll - on the same route - were flown without disruption

Passenger numbers are increasing and people who’ve flown on them to date seem to have enjoyed them and to have found the service a valuable part of Argyll’s internal transport.

Passengers flown cover the spectrum of business, leisure, visitors holidaying or coming to see friends and family. Scholar flights - those carrying island children to school at Oban on the mainland, will start in the new school term. This alone is a very real service to families, making it possible for children to get back to their island homes for the weekend.