Improved Scottish links to Heathrow

Scottish airports are to be guaranteed additional slots at Heathrow Airport as part of expansion plans, following talks between the Scottish and UK Governments.

Cabinet Secretary for the Economy Keith Brown was given the pledge during a meeting with Secretary of State for Transport Chris Grayling earlier this week.

Mr Brown has now written to Mr Grayling, urging the UK Government to take early steps to make sure the additional capacity is safeguarded as soon as possible.

Mr Brown said:

“We have long called for Scottish airports to be given additional slots at Heathrow and welcome this commitment from the UK Government.

“This has been a key priority for the Scottish Government for some time, so we are very keen that concrete action is taken to build on this commitment and ensure that this vital additional capacity is safeguarded.

“It will be important to map out a clear process to secure a minimum level of access to Heathrow for Scottish airports which is compliant with all relevant regulations and legislation, in particular State Aid regulations.

“The Scottish Government is happy to provide whatever support is necessary to achieve these aims and we look forward to further discussions on this issue in the future.”