Mainland Scotland’s most northerly airport is to be re-branded as a cash-in on the recent facelift at John O’ Groats

Wick Airport will now be renamed as Wick John O’ Groats Airport, as the company seeks to capitalise on the multi-million pound redevelopment of the John O’ Groats area.

John O’ Groats has been substantially transformed in the past year, with the addition of luxury chalets by Cheshire-based holiday company Natural Retreats and £1.8m of funds injected by Highlands and Islands Enterprise.

The area is well known already; mostly in relation to the popular Land’s End to John O’ Groats pilgrimage. Further developments at John O’ Groats are being planned in order to lure business, and the rebranding of the airport is seen as a means to drive further capital towards the area.

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Inglis Lyon, managing director of Highlands and Islands Airports Limited, said: "We have been actively looking at how we can better promote the northern mainland as a tourist destination which includes rebranding the airport as Wick John O’ Groats Airport to reflect its status as the gateway to Caithness and North Sutherland.

"With John O’ Groats undergoing a significant transformation, we believe this rebranding will help support efforts to promote the town and the wider area to inbound visitors."

Highland councillor Gail Ross, civic leader of Caithness and Wick airport consultative committee, said: “I think it’s an excellent public relations idea. Who knows how much business we are missing out on because people don’t realise that Wick airport serves John O’ Groats?

"This way the airport still keeps it identity, but it gives a good compromise and I think it’s a good, positive move for the county."

(IT)