SNP MEMBERS are calling for a major overhaul of Scotland's island air services amid passengers being hit with "extortionate" fares for lifeline routes.
A motion submitted ahead of the SNP's National Conference in October is calling for action to bring down fares and secure the long-term future of air connections across the Highlands and Islands.
Those behind the motion highlighted a return Loganair flight between Stornoway and Glasgow, departing on Thursday, September 3 and returning on Saturday, September 5, which cost as much as £660 when prices were checked on August 25.
By comparison, a return Ryanair flight from Glasgow to Malaga on the same dates was available for £219.42 – less than a third of the price.
The motion has been proposed by the SNP's Na h-Eileanan an Iar branch and seconded by the Craigentinny and Duddingston branch in Edinburgh.
It has also received backing from the party's Shetland and London branches, as well as SNP Shetland MSP Hannah Mary Goodlad.
The proposals call on the Scottish Government to develop a long-term aviation strategy for the Highlands and Islands, expand the number of island routes designated as Public Service Obligations (PSOs) and modernise the Air Discount Scheme (ADS).
They also call for Scotland to look at examples from other countries which provide lifeline air services to islands and rural communities, with the aim of improving reliability and sustainability while lowering fares.
The ADS currently provides eligible residents of island and remote communities with a 50% discount on eligible airfares.
However, those behind the motion argue the scheme, which was introduced in 2006, needs to be modernised as islanders continue to face high costs when travelling for work, healthcare and family occasions.
The calls come after a summer of concern over island connectivity after Loganair cut flights linking Lewis, Orkney and Shetland with Inverness, leaving islanders facing difficulties travelling for work, healthcare and to see family.
The full frequency of the services is set to be restored from October 26 after the Scottish Government reversed its initial refusal to intervene and provided more than £1 million to Highlands and Islands Airports Limited (HIAL).
The National previously reported that islanders and MSPs warned trust in Loganair had been damaged by the cuts, with calls for the funding to be used as a bridge towards a longer-term overhaul of island aviation.
Loganair, which operates a number of lifeline island routes, increased its profits by 59% in the year to March 2025 and paid an £8m dividend to shareholders.
Euan Smith, a member of the SNP's Na h-Eileanan an Iar branch, said: “This year has shown that the ADS scheme, introduced in 2006, is no longer fit for purpose. Loganair has been able to get away with charging extortionate rates for flights, leaving islanders to suffer.
“To reverse depopulation we need to have a radical rethink of how we deliver air routes to the islands. A single company shouldn't be able to just cut a route, preventing islanders from making appointments or seeing loved ones.
Paul Anderson, who is from Stornoway and is a member of the Craigentinny and Duddingston branch, added: “The challenges of geography should not mean that it is cheaper to fly from Scotland to the south of Europe than it is for islanders to access vital services such as healthcare.
“That's why I'm delighted to work with friends across Scotland to bring this motion forward to our National Conference. The SNP believes that independence in Europe is the best future for Scotland but it also believes in delivering here and now for people across our nation.
“By proposing a long-term aviation strategy, expanding PSOs and modernising the ADS, this motion demonstrates why the SNP can be trusted to always stand up for the interests of the people of Scotland.
“I would urge party members and branches to support it so that we can help lower the cost of air travel, boost our economy and support our island communities.”
The text of the full motion submitted to the SNP Conferences Committee reads:
"Conference recognises the support provided by Scottish Government to the communities of Barra, Tiree and Campbeltown through their Public Service Obligation (PSO) contract, and welcomes the fact that 50% of the cost of eligible airfares across other island routes are paid for by the Scottish Government through the Air Discount Scheme for island residents.
"Conference however notes with concern the extreme costs that continue to face island residents and family members whether it be travelling for work, hospital appointments or family occasions. Conference also notes the ongoing uncertainty facing some of the seemingly less commercially viable routes on the current network, despite the critical nature of these transport connections, with a commercial operator in the position at present of making decisions on lifeline services.
"Combined with the challenges of demographic change, the difficulties of ferry and road travel due to weather disruption in the winter, as well as the opportunities inherent in the local revitalisation and repopulation improved transport links would bring, Conference believes that examples should be drawn from other countries who successfully provide lifeline air services to their islands and rural areas.
"Conference therefore calls on the Scottish Government to develop a long-term aviation strategy for Scotland’s Highlands and Islands, with a view to expanding the number of island air routes that are designated as PSOs and ensuring routes and timetables meet passenger needs, increasing reliability and long-term sustainability of air services, while lowering costs for passengers.
"Conference further notes that the Air Discount Scheme (ADS) was introduced more than two decades ago and believes that the time has come to modernise and integrate the scheme within a wider set of reforms to Highlands and Islands air travel, to ensure that island residents pay a fair and sustainable price for vital air travel."
