Flying to the highlands an islands - getting cheaper

The BBC has just reported on quite a big rise in use of the airports around the highlands and islands - 57% since 2000/2001. This is of course pretty good news for folk living in these areas because the cost of flying is likely to come down with greater use. The Scottish executive has made quite a lot of effort to make flying from Scotland's main airports to the highlands and islands easier and cheaper for residents. This is a massive help for those trying to run businesses from remote areas. The main initiative has been the air discount scheme which gives residents a 40% discount on airfares between Aberdeen, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Benbecula, Inverness, Islay, Kirkwall, Stornoway, Sumburgh and Wick airpoorts.

BBC story here
Highlands and Islands air discount scheme website

Fancy Canna?

The BBC report that the National trust for Scotland are looking for 2 families to rent its properties on Canna and help stop the population fall any further than its present 15 residents (!). Apparently there is some opportunity to work "for those with building, gardening, electrics or plumbing skills".

The pictured house certainly looks lovely. Although there are only 15 residents, Canna has 30,00 visits a year. The island was sold to the NTS in 1981 by Dr John Lorne Campbell who had himself bought it in 1938 for £9000. It was sold to them on the understanding that they would support the tiny community and not allow the island to become an unpopulated tourist attraction. It's good to see them keeping their word.