Connectivity across the region has been completely transformed over the past fifty years. Road, rail, sea and air services have all seen significant investment and an enormous increase in usage. The challenge is to continue that process and ensure that, in an ever-more connected world, the Highlands and Islands becomes more integrated with the rest of Scotland, the UK and Europe.
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The HIDB quickly recognises the critical role that transport infrastructure has to play in supporting economic development. This resonates with political thinking, reflected in the presentation to Parliament of a White Paper on the Scottish Economy ‘A Plan for Expansion’.
The paper outlines plans for investment in motorways and trunk roads across Scotland, including upgrades to the A82 and A9. It endorses the Inner Moray Firth as an area with substantial development potential.
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The future of the Highland rail service is assured as a White Paper on Railway Policy is published. However, the Dingwall/Kyle of Lochalsh and Fort William/Mallaig lines are not proposed for inclusion in the basic network.
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A strike in the summer by sea-workers highlights the dependence of island communities on "sea communications". The HIDB expresses concern over the isolating effects on these communities, and the potential impact on the perceptions of inward investors.
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British European Airways (BEA) announces plans to double the frequency of flights to Inverness, and substantially increase the number of flights to Wick.
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The Highland Transport Board is disbanded and the HIDB assumes the role of advisor to the Secretary of State for Scotland on regional transport matters. The Board secures representation on the Scottish Economic Planning Council's Transport Committee, giving them a voice in discussions on transport connectivity with the rest of Scotland and further afield.
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bridging the gap
The importance of faster road links is recognised by the Board as they emphasise the need for a bridge over Loch Leven at Ballachulish, and for improvements in the approach roads to the Highlands via Loch Lomondside and between Perth and Blair Atholl.
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The Board considers the benefits of Road Equivalent Tariff in reducing the disadvantage faced by those living and working in island communities.
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Air services to the region improve as British European Airways (BEA) increase the number of return flights between Inverness, Wick, and the South, and Loganair begin services to Oban and Mull from Glasgow.
An experimental service to the North Isles of Orkney also begins, the two minute flight between Westray and Papa Westray being the world’s shortest flight. In Shetland, work begins on an airstrip at Unst, under the Army's Operation Military Aid to the Community (OPMAC) scheme.
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The Transport Act 1968 is published, granting local authorities the powers to give financial assistance towards the provision, improvement or continuation of uneconomic bus or ferry services that will benefit people living in rural areas. The Act also makes provision for the local authorities themselves, to receive financial help from the Government for such services.
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a brave new plan for transport
The HIDB submits proposals for an innovative new transport policy for the islands, based on the idea that water crossings should be treated as extensions to mainland roads. These are the first formal proposals on Road Equivalent Tarriff (RET).
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The Board examines the case for a direct vehicle ferry link between Stornoway and Ullapool to replace the service running between Mallaig, Kyle of Lochalsh and Stornoway.
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Rolling in the deep
The first roll-on roll-off ferry service in Scotland is introduced by Western Ferries between Kennacraig and Islay. Their introduction to the ferry fleet brings real efficiencies in loading and unloading, impacting positively on journey times and facilitating more effective timetabling.
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The Scottish Transport Group is established, bringing together the Scottish Bus Group and David MacBrayne Ltd. It has the responsibility of developing the whole of the publicly owned road and sea passenger network in the country.
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making new in-roads
A White Paper 'Scottish Roads in the 1970s' is published, presenting a strategic 10 year plan for upgrading the road network, including a major upgrade of the A9 between Perth and Ardullie.
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A White Paper on Civil Aviation Policy is published. It highlights the challenges facing operators of domestic air services, arising from the high costs associated with low-density, short-haul flights. To protect the viability of such services, it proposes a degree of route rationalisation, a scale of operations that will allow higher levels of aircraft utilisation, and more economical standards of service.
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Work begins on Skye's first airstrip near Broadford, being constructed by Army engineers under their OPMAC scheme.
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The building of two new roll-on roll-off ferries for the Kyle/Kyleakin route is announced. This route is operating well above capacity.
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Local authorities use powers levied by the 1968 Transport Act to keep the Barra/Vatersay and Mallaig/Knoydart ferries in operation.
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The Kirkwall airport terminal building re-opens, following a £45k upgrade.
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British European Airways begin daily non-stop air services from London Heathrow to Inverness, continuing on to Stornoway and Benbecula. The route uses a 32-seat Viscount turboprop aircraft.
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Loganair introduces an internal air service network in Shetland.
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P&O Scottish Ferries is formed to take over operation of ferry services between Orkney, Shetland and the Scottish mainland.
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In welcoming the decision to establish a direct vehicle ferry service between Ullapool and Stornoway, the Board reiterates the need for roll-on roll-off ferries across all routes, and expresses further concern around the impact of ferry transport costs on island communities.
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Sunday ferry services are introduced for the first time, on the popular Oban-Craignure route serving the Isle of Mull.
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The Government announce plans to accelerate the pace of reconstruction of the A9, with a high standard 7.3 metre carriageway from Perth to Inverness, to be completed in the shortest time possible.
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The Caledonian Steam Packet Company Ltd is renamed Caledonian MacBrayne Ltd, and takes over responsibility for operating Clyde and Western Isles ferry operations.
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Travel pass, a combined bus, train and ferry travel ticket for tourists is launched.
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A passenger ferry service is piloted over the summer between John O’Groats and Burwick in Orkney.
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In response to a request from the Secretary of State for Scotland, the Board prepares and publishes 'Road to the Isles: A study of sea freight charges in the Highlands and Islands'. The paper restates its case for the introduction of road equivalent tariffs, to reduce the disadvantage experienced by island communities, in relation to sea travel, and also calls for equity across vehicle ferry charges.
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the flight to london
Dalcross Airport in Inverness reopens following runway strengthening and extension, facilitating the introduction of jet services to and from London the following year. This airport upgrade has been a major aim of the Board’s transport policy.
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As electrification of the west coast main line between London and Glasgow improves travel times, the "Clansman", a new day passenger train is introduced between Inverness and London to supplement the "Royal Highlander" night service.
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Linking rural communities
Enforcement of the 1973 Local Government Act sees the setting up of single tier islands authorities in the region. The legislation provides them with powers to provide financial assistance to "public passenger transport services (whether by land, water or air)", and "to maintain, improve and operate any ferry situated wholly or partly within their area...". The newly formed Comhairle nan Eilean Siar quickly utilises these powers to introduce an internal air service between Barra and Stornoway.
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The HIDB supports the British Rail case for a £3.5m investment in increasing the capacity of the rail link between Inverness and Perth, to complement the upgrading of the A9.
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a fast new route to the city
The Ballachulish bridge opens, linking the villages of North and South Ballachulish on either side of Loch Leven. The 0.29km bridge reduces journey time from Fort William to Glasgow by around 30 minutes.
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Jet services are introduced between London and Inverness, the BAC 1-11 aircraft increasing capacity and comfort while reducing flight times.
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A British Airways rationalisation programme results in island air services to Glasgow and Edinburgh being transferred to Loganair.
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Further consideration is given to the concept of RET (Road Equivalent Tarriff), highlighting the difficulties of creating a transport policy for the region. The Government publish a review on RET and launch a consultation.
See the HIDB response to the Scottish Office consultation here.
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The new Wilsness terminal building opens at Sumburgh Airport.
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The Cromarty Bridge opens over the Cromarty Firth in Ross-shire. The first of the iconic "Three Firths" crossings which transform road connectivity in the Highlands, the Cromarty Bridge reduces journey times to and from the far north of the region by approximately 12 miles.
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The Highlands and Islands Air Services (Scotland) Act 1980 makes formal provision for the subsidising of air services to and across the region.
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The HIDB publishes 'The future of ferry services in the Highlands and Islands: A development strategy'. It proposes radical restructuring of all Scottish ferry services by a long-term programme of reinvestment in vessels, terminals and related facilities.
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Two new scheduled air services begin: a direct service between Edinburgh and Kirkwall by Loganair; and one between Glasgow and Wick via Aberdeen, by Air Ecosse. Loganair withdraws the twice-daily scheduled service between Inverness and Edinburgh, citing the effects of improved road access between the two centres, alongside rising airport charges, as reasons for termination of the service.
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a link to the black isle
The Kessock Bridge opens across the Beauly Firth, linking Inverness with North Kessock on the Black Isle. It is the second and most southerly of the "Three Firths" crossings transforming road connectivity in the Highlands. Replacing the Kessock Ferry with its limited vehicle capacity, or a 20 mile drive via Beauly, the opening of the bridge significantly reduces journey times between Inverness (and the rest of Scotland) and the far north.
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Construction work concludes on the A9 upgrading south of Inverness.
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The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) puts seven Scottish airports up for sale - Sumburgh, Inverness, Kirkwall, Benbecula, Wick, Islay and Tiree. The extent of their annual deficit makes the proposals unattractive to the private sector, and a bid by the islands authorities to take over their own individual airports, with Government assistance, is turned down.
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The 'Highland Chieftain' replaces the 'Clansman' on the Inverness to London service via the East Coast Main Line.
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building bridges for Sutherland
The Kylesku Bridge opens in North West Sutherland, replacing the ferry from Kylesku to Kylestrome over Loch a' Chàirn Bhàin.
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Highlands and Islands Airports Ltd is established by the Government, to operate airports in the region on behalf of the Civil Aviation Authority.
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The MV Columba, the last dedicated hoist-loading Cal-Mac vessel, is withdrawn from service. It is sold, refurbished and emerges the following year as the luxury cruise ship, The Hebridean Princess.
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The Dornoch bridge opens over the Dornoch Firth, replacing a 26 mile road trip via Bonar Bridge. This project completes around 15 years of investment in the upgrading of the A9, marking the completion of the "Three Firths" crossings, which see a significant reduction in journey times between the far north and elsewhere in Scotland.
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The Vatersay Causeway opens, linking the island of Vatersay with the island of Barra.
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the bridge to skye
The Skye Bridge opens, linking the island with Kyle of Lochalsh on mainland Scotland. Built under a private finance initiative, its toll charges are classed as the highest toll per metre in Europe - reaching £11.40 for a return crossing by 2004 - 14 times that for the Forth Road Bridge. A protest group is established to challenge the charges, and a number of protestors are imprisoned for refusing to pay.
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'Low-cost' air services are introduced to the region, as budget airline Easyjet commences services between Inverness and London Luton. Services to London Gatwick and Bristol follow in 2003 and 2005.
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The Sound of Harris ferry service is introduced, providing a shorter sea crossing between Leverburgh in Harris and Berneray in North Uist.
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British Airways moves its scheduled Inverness air services from London Heathrow to London Gatwick.
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The Scalpay bridge opens linking the islands of Harris and Scalpay.
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The Berneray Causeway opens to the public, linking the island with North Uist.
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A new terminal building opens at Inverness Airport.
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The Creagan Bridge opens, over the narrows of Loch Creran near Appin in Argyll, saving motorists a five mile drive around the Loch. The project sees a rebuild of the Old Colonial Railway Bridge on the disused Oban to Ballachulish railway line.
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Eriskay Links
The Eriskay Causeway opens, linking the islands of Eriskay and South Uist. This 1.6km causeway is a key part of the Sound of Barra Integrated Transport Project, which also includes the construction of two ferry terminals, one in Eriskay and one in Barra, for an impending vehicle ferry service.
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New terminal buildings open at Kirkwall and Stornoway airports.
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Pentland Ferries begins a roll-on roll-off ferry service between Gills Bay in Caithness and St Margaret’s Hope in South Ronaldsay in Orkney. This offers the shortest crossing time to and from Orkney, for vehicles and passengers.
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Island Connections
A vehicle ferry service is launched between the islands of Eriskay and Barra, following on from the completion of new ferry terminals on each of the islands. The service is initially delivered by the Comhairle's own four car ferry, Eilean na h-Oige, with Cal-Mac taking over the route with a larger vessel the following year. This marks the completion of the local authority's Sound of Barra Integrated Transport Project. It also sees the completion of the Western Isles Spinal Route, which enables motorists, for the first time in history, to drive from the Butt of Lewis to Barra in one day.
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The Scottish Air Route Development Fund is established to improve business connectivity and year-round inbound tourism access. In influencing airlines' route development decisions, the fund helps to enhance Scotland's direct international air network. Flights established as a result of the fund include services from Inverness to Belfast, Birmingham and Bristol.
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Northlink Ferries replace P&O Ferries as the operator of services between Orkney, Shetland and the Scottish mainland. The new contract bring three new ro-pax vessels onto the routes, and results in major port upgrades at Scrabster, Stromness, Hatston and Lerwick.
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Eastern Airways begins the first scheduled air service between Inverness and Manchester, financially assisted by HIE.
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no more tolls for skye bridge
The Scottish Executive announces its acquisition of the Skye Bridge, at a price of £27m. The Bridge's contentious tolls are immediately abolished and several years on, in 2008, tolls are removed from all Scottish Bridges with the passing of the Abolition of Bridge Tolls (Scotland) Act.
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making air travel more affordable
An Air Discount Scheme (ADS) is introduced to make air services more affordable for remote communities in the Highlands & Islands. This Scottish Government initiative offers a 40% discount on the core air fare on eligible routes, and is open to residents of Orkney, Shetland, the Western Isles, Islay, Jura, Colonsay, Caithness and North West Sutherland.
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HIE publishes 'Room for Growth', an extensive study examining all of the rail routes in the region, with a view to addressing key rail development issues. The study highlights the need for investment in the Perth-Inverness 'Highland Main Line' to enable faster and more frequent services between the Highlands and the Central Belt.
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Highlands and Islands Airport Limited (HIAL) launches a Masterplan for Inverness Airport. The plan is produced in direct response to the UK Government's 2003 Aviation White Paper, The Future of Air Transport, which tasked 30 strategically significant airports to produce a blueprint for growth over the next 25 years. The plan, which will inform HIAL's capital investment programme for the airport, proposes a range of measures to develop and improve connectivity for the region.
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The Inverness to London Gatwick service transfers to Flybe, ending British Airways services to the region.
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RET finally arrives
The Scottish Government pilots Road Equivalent Tariff (RET) fares on ferry services linking the Outer Hebrides, Coll and Tiree with the Scottish mainland. The scheme is designed to reduce the disadvantage experienced as a result of high travel costs, by those living in some of the region's most peripheral communities. The pilot will monitor the impact of the scheme on islanders and island economies, while investigating the most effective and sustainable structure for setting ferry fares, based on the cost of travelling an equivalent distance by road.
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The Scottish Government publishes the Strategic Transport Projects Review (STPR), setting out transport investment priorities over the period to 2032. Priorities identified include upgrades to the Perth-Inverness and Aberdeen-Inverness rail lines to enable hourly passenger services with faster journey times, plus additional capacity for freight services.
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Loganair becomes a franchise operator for Flybe, but retains a codeshare with British Airways to allow onward connections to/from the islands via London Heathrow and Gatwick.
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Scheduled air services begin between Oban Airport and the islands of Coll, Colonsay and Tiree. This follows a major upgrade of Oban airport, and construction of airstrip facilities on Coll and Colonsay.
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the highlands go dutch
Flybe begins a daily scheduled air service from Inverness to Amsterdam Schiphol, providing access to one of Europe's global hub airports. The service is the result of proactive discussions between HIAL and Flybe, with collaborative support and key funding from HIE.
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The Infrastructure Investment Plan (IIP) is published by the Scottish Government. The plan includes new commitments to completely dual the A9 between Perth and Inverness by 2025, and the A96 between Aberdeen and Inverness by 2030.
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The Scottish Ferries Plan is published by the Scottish Government, setting out the future of ferry services until 2022. It outlines various improvements to ferry services, including planned investment of £295m in 15 new vessels, and £73m in ports and harbour works by 2025.
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A pilot vehicle ferry service is introduced between Campbeltown and Ardrossan to help boost tourism and trade across the Argyll region.
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EasyJet becomes the sole operator of Inverness to London air services, following Flybe's withdrawal from Gatwick airport, which includes the sale of its take-off and landing slots to Easyjet.
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A £170m package of investment in the Aberdeen-Inverness rail line is announced by First Minister, Alex Salmond. This first phase of work, to be completed in the next five years, will ultimately support an hourly passenger service between the two cities, with the average journey time reducing to around two hours.
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The Caledonian Sleeper rail service is set up as a new franchise, separate to Scotrail, with management and customer service functions relocated to Inverness.
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new tariffs for the clyde and hebrides network
The Scottish Government completes roll-out of RET fares to all remaining ferry routes in the Clyde and Hebrides network. This includes 14 additional routes, including inter-island ferry services. The rollout of RET is central to the Government’s commitment to providing one single overarching fares policy across Scotland’s entire ferry network.
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a dual purpose for the a9
Construction starts on dualling a 7.5km section of the A9 between Kincraig and Dalraddy, at a cost of £35m. This is the first phase in the Scottish Government’s £3 billion A9 Dualling Programme, which involves the upgrading of 80 miles of single carriageway along the A9 between Perth and Inverness, by 2025.
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Transport Minister, Derek MacKay, announces an enhanced timetable for the Clyde and Hebrides Ferry Services network from next summer. The improvements reflect commitments made in the Scottish Government's ferries plan. Proposals include a dedicated daily Oban-Castlebay service, a new daily Lochboisdale-Mallaig service and increased sailings on the Mallaig-Armadale and Oban-Craignure routes.
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Easyjet announces an increased number of flights between Inverness and London, commencing in March 2016. The airline plan twice daily flights to London Luton four days a week, and will also operate a third daily flight to London Gatwick three days a week.
Transport
At 2015
More than
1.4 million
Passengers handled at the regions 10 airports
In 2014, Calmac and Northlink ferry services carried
5.0 million
passengers
1.2 million
cars
Rail passenger numbers at the 60 stations in the HIE area have
increased by
50%
over the last decade
reaching its highest ever total of
3.2 million
in 2013/14