SCOTLAND'S regional airports saw an 8000-plus uplift in passenger numbers last month compared with May 2012, with Sumburgh, Wick John O'Groats and Kirkwall all reporting strong growth.

New figures show the 11 airports operated by HIAL (Highlands and Islands Airports Limited) handled 122,546 passengers last month, an increase of 8180 (7.2%) on May last year.

Sumburgh on Shetland led the way, attracting 4967 (29.3%) more passengers than it did in May 2012. HIAL said the growth was fuelled by continuing demand from the oil industry.

Wick John O'Groats, the UK's most northerly mainland airport, also reported brisk numbers in May, with passenger numbers up 2796 (123%) compared with May 2012, as did Kirkwall.

The Orkney airport reported strong demand for inter-island routes and scheduled flights to Aberdeen, Inverness and Shetland as passenger numbers rose by 2471 (17.2%).

In Inverness, 1406 (2.5%) more passengers were handled thanks to the growth of the airport's flagship Amsterdam service, operated by Flybe, and increased domestic traffic.

The airport is set to receive a further boost thanks to easyJet's commitment to running additional seasonal flights between the Highland capital and Gatwick, from next month.

However, not all of HIAL's airports saw numbers rise. The Western Isles airports of Stornoway, Benbecula and Barra saw numbers drop because of schedule changes, and there were falls at Islay, Tiree and Campbeltown.

A Sunday service between Glasgow and Campbeltown launches this month.