The Transport Minister has called for control over air passenger duty (APD) to be devolved to Holyrood immediately, writes Tom Gordon.
Derek Mackay wants Westminster to transfer powers over the tax to the Scottish Parliament as soon as possible. The Smith Commission, set up to agree further devolution to Edinburgh in the wake of the independence referendum, has recommended that the duty be devolved.
Mackay hailed 2014 as a great year for Scottish aviation, but said the swift transfer of the power was necessary to maximise potential.
Mackay said: "UK APD is the most expensive tax of its kind in Europe and its impact on Scotland cannot continue to be ignored. Airports and airlines repeatedly cite it as one of the biggest obstacles when it comes to securing new direct international services and maintaining existing ones."
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