Council members welcome launch of seaplane tour company on Skye

13th May 2014

Members of The Highland Council’s Isle of Skye - Eilean a' Cheò Ward have welcomed the launch of a new commercial seaplane company’s scenic tour service on the island called Skye Seaplanes.

Skye Ward Councillors Drew Millar, Ian Renwick, Hamish Fraser, and John Gordon, were one of the first to experience the new service that provides scenic tours of the Isle of Skye and the north west Highlands and Islands in an amphibious Cessna 208 Caravan seaplane.

Councillor Drew Millar highlighted the importance of the new service, he said: “This could be a catalyst in proving a real business case for the economic viability of air travel on Skye. The Council has been investigating the potential for re-launching scheduled flights from Ashaig Airport for some time now. The introduction of a sea plane service is an exciting opportunity for the area, and will go some way to underlining the potential, regular scheduled flights from Skye can have for the local economy.”

Councillor Ian Renwick added: “We welcome that the business is making use of the Council’s facilities at Isle of Skye Aerodrome and Ashaig Airstrip which compliments local campaigns to make the provision of commercial use of the airstrip a viable option.”

Councillor Hamish Fraser Leader of the Skye, Ross and Cromarty Area welcomed the new enterprise he said: “We are delighted that Skye Seaplanes is expanding its tour business into Skye and the north west where we have some of the most magnificent scenery from land, air and sea to experience.”

Councillor John Gordon added: “Seeing Skye by road is stunning but getting a bird’s eye view of this truly magical island is breath-taking, these trips are a must for visitors and locals alike and we welcome and support this new venture and know it is going to be a very popular excursion.”

Services by Skye Seaplanes start this May and flights are available weekdays and weekends until the beginning of October.

The Isle of Skye Aerodrome, Ashaig near Broadford is owned and operated by The Highland Council. Further information about the facility is on the council’s website.

Further information on Skye Seaplanes is available of the company’s parent website http://www.lochlomondseaplanes.com/

PHOTO
The Raasay Ferry, as seen from the touring Skye Seaplane. Photo by Ian Smith Skye Photo Centre.