Travellers have been warned to expect disruption at 11 regional airports in Scotland after union bosses announced strike action in the run up to Christmas.
Members of Unite will hit the picket line on Monday, December 19 and Thursday, December 22 in 24-hour walkouts in a dispute over pay.
Administration staff, fire and rescue personnel and security workers at Barra, Benbecula, Campbeltown, Dundee, Inverness, Islay, Kirkwall, Stornoway, Sumburgh, Tiree and Wick airports will take industrial action.
Workers rejected a five per cent pay rise from owners of the airports Highlands and Islands Airports Limited (Hial), with 73.5 per cent backing strike action in a ballot.
As the strike dates were announced, Shauna Wright, an industrial officer with Unite, challenged the Scottish Government to find the cash to fund an improved pay offer.
She said: "Unite does not accept that Hial, a private limited company wholly-owned by the Scottish Government, does not have the ability to increase the offer.
"Claims previously made that it is bound by funding obligations set by the Scottish Government, will not placate our members or settle this dispute.
"Unite is therefore calling on the Scottish Government, as a matter of urgency, to meet with us, the workers and Hial and to put forward additional funding that will improve pay, terms and conditions in the highlands and islands and bring an end to this dispute."
Hial, a Scottish Government-owned company that operates the airports, said there will be disruption for passengers on the days of the strike action.
Inglis Lyon, Hial managing director, said: "We apologise in advance for the inevitable disruption this action by Unite colleagues will cause for our airlines and passengers.
"Whilst recognising the financial challenges our colleagues face, we are disheartened that they will be taking strike action which will greatly inconvenience our passengers and local communities so close to the festive holiday period.
"We will liaise closely with our local teams, airlines, and partners to determine what can be done to minimise the disruption on both days.
"Meantime, all communication channels remain open in a bid to avoid this strike action. However, I would urge anyone intending to travel on these dates to keep in touch with their airline."
To sign up to the Daily Record Politics newsletter, click here.
