A resolution of the dispute between the operator of Scotland's regional airports and the Prospect union is likely following a new offer to security staff and an agreement in principle.

After talks with Highland and Islands Airports Ltd (HIAL), Prospect announced it would recommend members accept the offer in a ballot.

Alan Denney, Prospect national secretary, said: "We believe this offer provides a realistic opportunity to settle our long-running dispute with HIAL over the unequal treatment of our members working in security company AMSL. If agreed, there will be an alignment of terms and conditions over the next 20 months."

Since security was brought in house six years ago, the union has been seeking equal treatment in terms of pay, holidays, and sick pay for the 160 employed for security duties. Prospect represents more than 120 of the staff affected. They held a 48-hour strike earlier this month which led to the closure of Dundee Airport.

Inglis Lyon, Managing Director of HIAL, said: "A revised offer was made to Prospect today which we understand will be the subject of a consultative ballot. Both parties have compromised and in so doing have secured some long term stability for the business. We are pleased at the progress we have made and believe that the agreement reached today delivers a balanced package of improvements to pay and conditions for security staff."

HIAL operates 11 Scottish airports: Dundee, Inverness, Wick, Campbeltown, Lewis, Benbecula, Barra, Islay, Wick, Kirkwall (Orkney) and Sumburgh (Shetland).