Plea for fare deal on flights

Campaigners say cost is prohibitive

Campaigners seeking subsidised air fares for the Highlands and Islands are travelling to London to lobby new Scottish Secretary Alistair Darling.

Members of the Highlands and Islands Strategic Transport Partnership (Hitrans) are calling for a subsidy of £12m a year to cut fares and encourage more passengers on air routes.

The group claims that the cost of flights in and out of the Highlands are way above even transatlantic flights from Scotland, with some costing more than £300.

The campaigners want an order put on the Highland network to guarantee its future and believe the subsidy would cut fares by around a third - allowing for more frequent flights.

They have already met with MSPs in Edinburgh to argue for the investment following concerns that price is becoming an increasing problem for those who need to use the often lifeline services.

Now they hope Mr Darling and the Treasury will support their call.