Highland Council set to bail out on two north airfields but keep one
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
Highland Council set to bail out on two north airfields by either leasing or selling one at Plockton, offer a lease for one at Dornoch to an interested party while trying to run Ashaig airfield on Skye.
The issue came before the economy and infrastructure committee earlier today with a report highlighting that current resources committed to the operation and maintenance of the airfields are not sufficient to meet all legal requirements.
The move was likely prompted by the council agreeing to dispose of unused or under-used property across the region due to the extreme financial pressures it is under.
Members agreed that opportunities for either the sale or the long-term lease of the Plockton airfield should be explored, as both represent potential income-generation options for the council.
It was also agreed that the council should continue to operate Ashaig airfield in a manner which meets all necessary legal obligations, until such time as further developments with regards to scheduled air services are made.
Finally, that a lease on Dornoch airfield to one of the interested parties in the local community should be offered, allowing it to remain in operation as an asset for the community while removing risk and liability from the council.
If no agreement be reached within the 2023/24 financial year then the council should consider ceasing active operations at Dornoch airfield and seek alternative uses for the site.
The chairman of the economy and infrastructure committee, Councillor Ken Gowans, said: “Today was an opportunity for members to review the airfield estate and analyse the usage.
“Now that the recommendations contained in this detailed report have all been approved, we can now take the recommendations forward.”
