Air traffic controllers are to be balloted for another new pay offer from Highlands and Islands Airports Ltd (Hial) in a bid to end their long-running dispute.

Prospect union members have been on action short of a strike, with 24-hour strikes closing airports on a number of dates in May and July.

In September a pay offer was rejected. However, on Tuesday a statement from Prospect confirmed a ballot would be put forward, with details of the offer still to be concluded.

READ MORE: Air traffic controllers at Scottish airports reject offer in pay dispute

It said: “After further negotiations between Prospect and Hial we have reached a preliminary agreement which will form the basis of an offer that will be put to members shortly.

“A number of details need to be concluded so there will be further talks this week, and a ballot will follow shortly.

“As a result Prospect has decided to suspend our work to rule whilst we consult our members.

“The work to rule will end at 5pm on November 19.”

Hial managing director Inglis Lyon said: “We are pleased to advise that our talks to resolve the current Air Traffic Control dispute have progressed and Prospect will put our revised offer to their membership.

READ MORE: Scots airports to be hit by new air traffic controllers strike over pay dispute

“Following a further meeting this week to finalise the detail, Prospect will recommend the offer to their members.

“Prospect has confirmed it will lift the work to rule during the period whilst the offer is under consideration, which we welcome.

“The work to rule will cease at 17.00 on November 19 and a full service will be available to cover out-of-hours service provision.”