Council invests in new plane to support isles connectivity
The new aircraft will provide resilience for the islands as well as additional capacity by reducing the number of shared flights, while the landing craft will provide essential cover during ferry outages and peak periods. The roller/compactor will enable in-house teams to maintain airfields, ensuring compliance with the Civil Aviation Authority.
READ MORE:
Scotgov commits millions to support Orkney ferry fleet
Airline to deliver 'world's first commercial hydrogen route'
Highland Council backs plans for major windfarm off Orkney
The full package is aimed at ensuring continuity for island residents and businesses, reducing service vulnerability and mitigating operational risks.
With the proposals for the purchase agreed by Elected Members at Full Council in July, the council said it can now move to procurement and consulting with North Isles communities on the inter-island air services timetable based on a three aircraft operation.
Council Leader Heather Woodbridge has welcomed the backing of her fellow Elected Members on the proposals, describing the decision as an "historic moment" for Orkney Islands Council in its ongoing work to meet isles connectivity challenges.
She said: 'This investment represents a vital step forward in securing the future of our lifeline transport services. By taking a proactive approach, we're not only addressing current challenges but also building resilience for the years ahead.
'These assets will help ensure that our island communities remain connected, supported, and sustainable. The support from the Scottish Government in meeting these aims is hugely welcomed and testament to the good work that is taking place through our meetings with ministers and officials. Together these positive relationships and effective collaboration means we can tackle the challenges our communities face across our transport networks.
'The decision by Elected Members to use the funding in this way and take the huge step of purchasing an aircraft is an historic moment for this Council and I'm proud that we are making smart use of this one-off funding to deliver real, lasting benefits for Orkney.'
Scottish Government Finance Secretary Shona Robison said: 'We recognised the unique challenges faced by island communities and the importance of targeted support to improve connectivity for people in Orkney. This funding helps the local community to develop solutions to these challenges whilst delivering on the ambitions of the National Islands Plan.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Record
3 minutes ago
- Daily Record
New plans to help unemployed and disabled Scots find and stay in work
Three pilot projects will share £228,000 of Scottish Government funding to enable people with diverse needs. The Scottish Government has announced three new initiatives to help people find and stay in work, including disabled people and those with long term health conditions. The pilot projects will share £228,000 of Scottish Government funding to enable people with diverse needs to enter, stay in or progress in the workplace. They will be used to expand flexible working in sectors such as manufacturing and help diversify the public sector workforce. It will allow three separate organisations to run distinct pilot projects - all with the aim of providing workplace support. Training specialists Flexibility Works will receive £96,100 to equip manufacturing sector employers with knowledge and tools to adopt and embed sustainable, flexible working practices. National representative body the Scottish Union for Supported Employment (SUSE) will access £98,737 to support employers, disabled people and people with long term conditions, to stay in work helping to reduce the Disability Employment Gap. SUSE will work intensively with a group of 16-20 employers over the life of the pilot, delivering training and practical support. Business in the Community will use £33,969 to deliver workshops on inclusive hiring and progression initiatives within public sector organisations and help managers to attract and support diverse talent. Business and Employment Minister Richard Lochhead welcomed the launch at Scottish Leather Group in Bridge of Weir, Renfrewshire, where staff are already benefiting from initiatives such as compressed hours and reduced hours for people approaching retirement. He said: 'This new funding will help provide flexible and supportive working environments and contribute to a more dynamic, diverse, and resilient jobs market in Scotland. 'This has significant benefits for workers and means employers like Scottish Leather Group can draw from a wider talent pool. 'The Scottish Government is committed to helping people remain in work and strengthening pathways into employment for those furthest from the jobs market. This new funding will promote flexible working, support disabled employees and people at risk of economic inactivity.' Nikki Slowey, co-founder and director of Flexibility Works, said: 'People's lives are constantly changing, whether that's with children, caring for older relatives or for health needs, and we know many people drop out of work altogether if the juggle between work and home life becomes too stressful. 'Employers that are attuned to this and are able to be flexible can keep hold of talented and experienced staff. Often people only want small changes, such as a little home working or to start and finish at slightly different times. This enables people to keep working, which is good for their finances and wellbeing as well as delivering benefits for their employer and our wider economy.'
Scottish Sun
3 minutes ago
- Scottish Sun
Stunning Scots road trip with magnificent mountains and serene lochs named one of best in UK – and it's not the NC500
Scroll down to see the five Scots entries in the top 20 DRIVING SWEET Stunning Scots road trip with magnificent mountains and serene lochs named one of best in UK – and it's not the NC500 Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A STUNNING Scots road trip has been named one of the best in the UK - and it's not the NC500. New research from Isuzu UK has uncovered the nation's most awe-inspiring, breathtaking and peaceful driving routes. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 4 The Scots trip came in a close second 4 The Lake District trip took first place 4 The survey was carried out by Isuzu From the dramatic fells of the Lake District to the wild coasts of Wales and the highland passes of Scotland, the study highlights the UK's love affair with the open road. And it proves just how many unforgettable journeys are waiting to be explored right on our doorstep. Coming in a very close second place in the whole of the UK is the gorgeous Loch Lomond to Glencoe route. The scenic route takes in the stunning Argyll Forest Park, Loch Tulla, and Loch Ba. From magnificent mountains to serene waters, it can't fail to impress - which is perhaps why it was chosen as the backdrop for Bond movie Skyfall. And it's also a haven for nature-lovers with herds of wild deer and birds of prey regularly spotted on the journey. The jaw-dropping trip was only just pipped to the post by the Kendal to Keswick drive. Following the A591, and stretching for 30 miles, it takes in some exceptional scenery, including views of Lakeland fells and the banks of Windermere. The historic Coastal Way in Wales came in third place, followed by the winding road through Cheddar Gorge then the journey around the New Forest. There was two a few more Scottish mentions in the top 20. The North Coast 500: Scotland's Must-Visit Road Trip Beats the Grand Canyon The now iconic NC500 made it into 11th place on the ranking. Taking in 500 miles round the coast of Scotland, the journey is a magnet for tourists. And it's not hard to understand why as it includes secretive hill lochs, mist shrouded mountain peaks and beaches that wouldn't look out of place in the Med. In 16th place is the Isle of Skye loop, which takes motorists round the popular holiday isle. And in 18th place is The Hebridean Way. This is an island-hopping adventure which takes in 10 isles, six causeways and two ferries from Vatersay to the Butt of Lewis. Rounding off the top 20 is the Glen Etive to Steall Falls route. This short hour-long trip ends at a stunning waterfall. The research founds that on average Brits take seven road trips a year covering 93 miles per trip. And 88 per cent consider car journeys as part of the holiday, with nine in ten wanting to go on more. 20 BEST DRIVES HERE are the top 20 drives in the UK Kendal to Keswick in the Lake District, Cumbria Loch Lomond to Glencoe, Scottish Highlands The Coastal Way in Wales Cheddar Gorge in Somerset The New Forest in Hampshire The Lake District Western Loop in Cumbria Snake Pass in the Pennines in Derbyshire Yorkshire Dales Circular in North Yorkshire The Cotswolds Romantic Road across Gloucestershire and Oxfordshire Llanberis Pass in Snowdonia, Wales North Coast 500 in Scotland Dartmoor National Park in Devon The Atlantic Highway (A39) from Devon to Cornwall The South Downs Way in Sussex The Causeway Coastal Route in Northern Ireland Isle of Skye Loop in Scotland Black Mountain Pass (A4069) in Wales The Hebridean Way in Scotland Hardknott Pass and Wrynose Pass in the Lake District, Cumbria – Glen Etive to Steall Falls in Scotland George Wallis, Head of Marketing at Isuzu UK, said: 'It's fantastic to see just how much Brits appreciate the incredible scenery that we have in the UK, with routes like Kendal to Keswick and Loch Lomond to Glencoe topping the list. "With 92 per cent saying the UK has some of the world's best road trips, and two-thirds believing they can be just as enjoyable as going abroad."
STV News
3 minutes ago
- STV News
Dundee University's revised recovery plan rejected amid £35m black hole
A troubled university has had its revised financial recovery plan rejected. The University of Dundee is facing a £35m blackhole, which led the institution to consider cutting hundreds of jobs. Managers have come under fire for decisions taken leading up to the financial crisis. A report, conducted by former Glasgow Caledonian University principal Professor Pamela Gillies, found former principal Professor Iain Gillespie, who has since resigned, ex-interim principal Professor Shane O'Neill, and previous chief operating officer Jim McGeorge had acted as a 'triumvirate' amid the financial turmoil. It led to a number of people in top posts resigning, with the university searching for its fourth chief finance officer in less than a year, after Chris Reilly left the role after just eight days earlier this summer. In June, the Scottish Government announced it would give Dundee University £40m in an 'unprecedented bailout' over the next three years – however education secretary Jenny Gilruth said how the money is spent will be closely monitored. Now a recovery plan, submitted to the Scottish Funding Council last week, has been rejected, with the organisation outlining 'longer term strategic planning informed by constructive engagement with staff and students' instead. A Scottish Funding Council (SFC) spokesperson said: 'We received the University's proposed recovery plan on August 11 and our teams have developed a response as a matter of priority. 'The University of Dundee is a world-leading institution with a rich heritage in delivering excellent student outcomes and world-leading research. As such, the University is of significant importance to Scotland and also internationally. We are committed to supporting its return to a position of financial health that will ensure this continues for future generations. 'It's important that the foundations for this are solid. This is why we are prepared to fund the University over a defined period of fundamental longer term strategic planning informed by constructive engagement with staff and students.' A spokesperson for the University of Dundee said the 'different proposed direction' highlighted by the SFC will be considered 'at the earliest opportunity. A Scottish Government spokesperson said: 'We understand that the SFC has written to the University to outline an alternative approach and that is now for the University to consider. We would encourage the University's leadership to engage with the wider university community, students, staff and trades unions as it does so. 'The clear focus of ministers is to protect the interests of students and see the University of Dundee continue to operate and thrive into the future, and the Scottish Government will continue to do all we can to support this.' Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
