Trials of a potential new aircraft for the Benbecula to Stornoway route have taken place.
The aircraft visited airports at both locations and also undertook a landing at Traigh Mhòr airport on Barra.
Evaluation of a larger aircraft will also contribute to meeting the recommendations made in a recent report by HiTrans’ Western Isles Transport and Health Working Group.
No inter-island air service exists for Barra since Comhairle nan Eilean Siar voted
to axe it in 2013. At the same time, frequency of flights on the Benbecula - Stornoway
link was cut.
If this week’s trials are deemed successful any changes to the current service will be on the condition of government financial support and aircraft availability.
Dissatisfaction has been very strongly expressed by passengers and patient groups
with the eight-seater Britten Norman Islander currently deployed by Hebridean Airways
for the inter-island link.
Difficulties of physically getting onboard the plane to a high step means the Islander is not suitable for many with mobility issues or for some elderly patients trying to reach Stornoway for consultant appointments.
The current service impacts healthcare delivery, both for patients and clinicians travelling between Barra, Uist, Stornoway, and Inverness, and has resulted in significant cost implications for the health board.
As a result, affected islanders have little choice to travel longer journeys by inter-island
ferry for healthcare transport, resulting in greater pressure on the Sound of Harris
sea connection.
MSP Rhoda Grant previously raised concerns in the Scottish Parliament over some patients
being effectively excluded from using the Uist - Stornoway air service.
The issue was also highlighted at a roundtable meeting chaired by MP Alasdair Allan about the challenges for NHS patient travel from Uist and Barra.
The Tecnam P2012 is similar in size to the current Britten Norman Islander aircraft but offers improvements with more seating, range, better fuel efficiency and passenger accessibility.
Uisdean Robertson, chair of the comhairle’s transport committee, said: “The Benbecula to Stornoway air service is a lifeline service.
“This week’s trials have seen the Comhairle come together with Hebridean Air Services and HIAL to evaluate an aircraft with the potential to improve the air service for the passengers who rely on it.
“The realisation of these service improvements, including the expansion of the service to Barra, will only be possible with additional Scottish Government funding.
“In this year’s budget Scottish Government awarded an additional £20 million to Orkney
Islands Council and Shetland Islands Council for the provision of inter-island travel.
“Scottish Government should now demonstrate the same level of understanding for the needs of people in the Western Isles, as they have for those in other island communities, and commit additional funding to the improvement of the vital Benbecula to Stornoway service.
“As these discussions continue Hebridean Air Services will continue to provide the best possible service, within the parameters of the current budget.”
Potential new aircraft for Uist and Barra undertakes trial flights
27 February 2025
