Following our article earlier today: Oban Airport: a case for relationship counselling?, Jim Mather, Argyll’s MSP and Minister for Tourism, has confirmed his concern over the ongoing situation at Oban Airport. The Minister has now taken action to bring the parties concerned to the table.

Mr Mather says: ‘As the Minister taking the new Arbitration Bill through the Parliament and hence involved in debate with arbiters and mediators, I regret seeing any polarised argument especially in my own constituency.

‘Equally, I am conscious that when we get the entire community of stakeholders who are  involved in any situation, around the table and talking, then we usually get better outcomes that deliver for the common good.

‘That is why I am now asking Argyll & Bute Council, local interests, public and private aviation interests and the Transport and Public Health Ministers to take action to get people talking and help create a solution that will deliver for the public interest.

‘For my part - I would willing help to run such a dialogue, however, even at this stage, I hope that the parties can converge on a mutually agreed way forward’.