THE Scottish Government has bought Glasgow Prestwick Airport for £1.
Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon confirmed the deal with owner Infratil six weeks after the Scottish Government's plans to acquire the South Ayrshire base to secure its future were announced at Holyrood.
At the time Sturgeon told the Scottish Parliament that Infratil had estimated the airport's annual losses at around £7 million.
After the deal, she said: "We can now focus on the future of Glasgow Prestwick Airport and making it the success we know it can be.
"This acquisition secures continuity of service and we will now begin work with our local partners on developing our vision for the business so we can maximise its contribution to the local, regional and national economy.
"As we stressed at the start of this process, Glasgow Prestwick Airport remains fully open for business and existing staff remain employed at the airport.
"Senior advisory staff will be appointed on an interim basis to make recommendations on strategic business development, building on the commercial opportunities identified during the acquisition process."
The Scottish Government said the acquisition from Infratil of subsidiary company Prestwick Aviation Holdings Limited and associated companies was made for a "nominal consideration" of £1.
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