ISLAND MSPs have united to demand the Scottish government safeguard threatened lifeline flights.

The call came in a letter to the newly-appointed Economy, Tourism and Transport Secretary Stephen Flynn, after Loganair announced plans to drastically reduce services on key Sumburgh-Kirkwall-Inverness and Stornoway-Inverness routes.  

The letter, co-ordinated by Scottish Green MSP Kristopher Leask, and backed by SNP’s Hannah Mary Goodlad, Lib Dem’s Liam McArthur and Labour’s Donald MacKinnon, along with transport bodies Hitrans and ZetTrans, calls for joint working to secure the future of the “vital lifeline routes.”

Mr Leask said: “These cuts could have a devastating impact. A lot of people across our Island communities rely on these flight routes to access hospital appointments and other vital services. 

“We want to work with the Scottish government to do all that we can to support them in delivering a regional air service that is fit for purpose and focussed on delivering for our communities.”

A Transport Scotland spokesperson said: “Every effort is being made to retain services. 

“The Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Tourism and Transport will be meeting local MSPs to discuss this matter further.”