Comhairle nan Eilean Siar is writing to the Scottish Executive to highlight the unacceptable closures of Stornoway Airport last week that led to flights being cancelled. The Comhairle is also bringing the matter to the attention of the HIAL Board.

The move follows a meeting in Stornoway today between representatives of HIAL and the Comhairle.

Convener Alex MacDonald said: “We made clear that the closure of the airport at such short notice is totally unacceptable to our community. Business and the travelling public need to know that there is a reliable service. Whilst we recognise there are exceptional circumstances we cannot accept that they are insurmountable. The Comhairle will be writing to ask the Scottish Executive to look at how services can be improved and how such situations can be avoided in future. We will also be contacting the HIAL Board as a matter of urgency. We will not tolerate a second class service for the communities of the Western Isles.

The Comhairle has asked that HIAL also improve their communication with the Comhairle and the wider public of the Western Isles so that people are better informed. HIAL have confirmed that they will maintain regular contact with the Comhairle and will inform us at the earliest possible stage of any problems. We will continue to monitor the situation closely. The Comhairle will be fully supportive of moves to strengthen and improve HIAL’s service to the people of the Western Isles”.

The Comhairle was represented at the meeting by Convener Alex MacDonald, Chairman of Transportation Donald Manford, Chief Executive Malcolm Burr and Director of Technical Services, Iain Mackinnon.