Upgrading an airstrip and restoring regular flights to a remote Scottish island would create an economic boom, according to an independent study.
Research commissioned by Highlands and Islands Enterprise found that many more tourists would visit Skye and a greater number of younger, economically active people would settle there.
Campaigners who have fought a four-year battle for investment in the airstrip at Ashaig have hailed the report as a “major step forward”.
The site, which is owned by Highlands and Island Council, was a transport hub for airline Loganair between 1972 and 1988.
The only commercial service to use it in recent years flies to and from Loch Lomond in the summer months.
Skye can be reached by ferry or by a road bridge but it is more than two hours from the nearest airport in Inverness and at least a five hour drive from the central belt.
The new report is the first feasibility study to be carried out since 2013 and garnered 179 responses from businesses and social enterprises.
Researchers also interviewed 20 “key businesses” in the catchment area and consulted 15 stakeholders, including community organisations.
Three quarters of respondents said they would use commercial flights to and from the island at least quarterly, and a third monthly or more than once a month.
A quarter of businesses would use an air service to the central belt for onward connections, extending the reach of businesses to more customers.
The report’s conclusions also set out the “social benefits” of regular flights to and from Skye.
It states: “Increased numbers in employment in the area, and the associated income generated and retained in Skye. Greater number of younger, economically active people allows more services, including schools and health facilities.”
FlySkye campaigner Shirley Spear, owner of the Three Chimneys hotel and restaurant, said: “It’s a very positive report. There was an unprecedented number of responses.
“It’s a major step forward. We’re surely getting there. I think from the perspective of small business owners, having to work at such a slow pace is very frustrating but hopefully it will be worthwhile.
“There has been very little external investment in the island for years. If you look at the investment that’s gone in to John O’Groats area since the Wick Airport opened, or Campbeltown area since the Campbeltown links opened, you look at how Tiree has developed its surfing community and fantastic music festival because they have an airport.
“People in the outer isles are also developing their tourism. So, we do feel we are at a major disadvantage. Although it would be a limited air service (to and from Skye) it would make a huge difference to people’s choice in terms of tourists and people who live and work on the island.”
Local SNP MP, Ian Blackford, who co-founded the campaign, added: “This is not simply a transport project, it is a seriously important economic development project for the whole of Skye, Lochalsh and Wester Ross.”
The last study in 2013 suggested it could cost at least £2.3million to bring the airstrip back to Civil Aviation Authority standards, rising to £15.3million if the watchdog wanted the runway lengthened and widened to accommodate 19-seater aircraft.
Although supportive, the Scottish Government has said funds for the project would have to be “raised locally”, however the owner Highland Council is facing a £46million budget black hole over the next four years.
Spear said: “We are highly supported but whether that is reflected in the government’s attitude towards it, we have absolutely no idea. There would have to be some funding. Obviously the councils are cash-strapped.
“It’s a difficult time. I’m very conscious of that because obviously I’m in business. But I have heard on the grapevine that there is a lot of support for it, although nobody is coming out and saying that in public. I wish they would.
“If you think of some of the other projects that have gone ahead in terms of transport, it’s all related to the central belt. Our infrastructure in the Highlands and Islands is very weak. The airport is just one small amount of money that could be spent. It will have to take its place in the scheme of things.”
Stuart MacPherson, of Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE), said the new report “will help inform any future decisions about reintroducing a Skye air service”.
A spokeswoman for Highlands and Islands Enterprise added: “The consultants presented the draft findings to representatives of FlySkye and the airport Working Group, which consists of HITRANS (Highlands and Islands Transport Partnership), Highland Council and HIE.
“The response was positive and comments were made which will be taken into consideration before the final report is published in due course.”
A Transport Scotland spokesman said: “We recognise the aspirations of communities in the Skye area to restart regular air services to and from the island, and we would be happy to discuss the issue with them.”
The spokesman added: “We would expect funding to bring Highland Council’s airstrip up to standard for scheduled passenger flights to be sourced at a local level.”
A spokeswoman for Highland Council said: “The Highland Council were not in a position to comment.”
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