Green candidate launches campaign against expansion of Highland airport claiming it is bad for communities
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The Scottish Greens have launched a campaign opposed to the expansion of Inverness Airport, claiming that it will be bad for the environment and communities.
The move is likely to ruffle feathers locally as the party is also calling for two other major schemes widely viewed as vital to the region’s economy – the A9 and A96 dualling – to also be abandoned.
Launching the campaign to oppose the airport expansion, the Greens’ lead candidate for the Highlands and Islands, Ariane Burgess, said: “If this proposal goes ahead it would be bad for the environment, and bad for our communities.
“It would be a totally inappropriate use of money during the climate emergency, and especially when we should be prioritising better bus and train services for the Highlands.
“Inverness Airport is more than adequate when it comes to providing necessary lifeline services across the Highlands and Islands.”
But Highlands and Islands Airports Ltd (Hial) hit back saying it intended to create the world’s first net-zero emission aviation region by 2040 – before the doubling of passenger numbers.
The spokesman said: “Hial is committed to a strategic programme of sustainable low-carbon development and aims to make all 11 of its airports carbon neutral.
“With new advances in technology, cleaner air travel will become more viable, and our aim is for Hial to be at the forefront of Scotland’s efforts to transition to a low-carbon future and create the world’s first net-zero emission aviation region by 2040.
“Our role is also to provide long-term sustainable aviation links for the Highlands and Islands for generations to come.
“We must ensure Inverness Airport is prepared and equipped to cope with future demand and sustain economic growth and prosperity for the region.”
A consultation on Hial’s expansion plans will run until the end of the month.
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