Born in 1946 and brought up in Cupar, Fife, I was educated at the local school - 
Lifeline air services between Glasgow and the remote communities of Campbeltown, Barra and Tiree have been secured until March 2013.The announcement follows the results of a tender process for the three vital routes, which sees the contract being awarded to Loganair.
Transport Minister Stewart Stevenson said:
""The Scottish Government wants to do all it can to boost island economies and deliver real improvements to our transport infrastructure.
"I am delighted that we have managed to secure the continuation of these vital services for the communities of Campbeltown, Barra and Tiree.
"These services are a lifeline and provide a direct link to employment, education and social activities for the people of Argyll and the islands.
"Access to affordable and regular transport services is essential if we are to ensure that our island and rural communities continue to prosper and grow."
Background:
Following a recent tendering exercise, Loganair Ltd has been awarded the contract to provide lifeline air services between Glasgow International Airport and Campbeltown, Tiree and Barra. The contract will be for the period 1 April 2009 until 31 March 2013.
The present contract expires on 31 March 2009. All three services to Campbeltown, Tiree and Barra have been awarded under Public Service Obligations (PSOs) and the new contract will come into effect from 1 April 2009. PSOs have been in effect on the services between Glasgow-Tiree and Glasgow-Barra since 1994, and Glasgow-Campbeltown since 1996. Competitive bids were sought on an EU-wide basis under EC Regulation 2408/92 (updated by EC Regulation 1008/2008 of 24 September 2009). There are no state aid issues - the competitive tendering under the EC Regulation applies. The air services are vital for the economic sustainability of fragile communities and the award provides continuity of services.
The contract dictates that a minimum frequency of the following must be provided by Loganair:
Two return trips per day (except Saturday and Sunday) between Glasgow and Campbeltown
One return trip per day (except Sunday) between Glasgow and Tiree
One return trip per day (except Sunday) between Glasgow and Barra.
