Significant improvement works are to be carried out at Wick John O'Groats Airport.

The work will be undertaken at the airfield and will increase safety and allow for future growth at the airport.

The investment was confirmed following a Highlands and Islands Airports (HIAL) board meeting earlier this week.

Work is expected to begin on site this summer, with almost £600,000 being spent to refurbish the airport apron where aircraft are parked, loaded and unloaded.

The airport has recently experienced an increase in passenger numbers as a result of a contract to service an oil field in the West of Shetland basin. Oil workers have been using the airport since before Christmas after a deal was agreed with operator Premier Oil, Aker Solutions and Far North Aviation to service the Solan field.

In January, the contract helped contribute to an 86% growth in passenger numbers at the airport. In response, managers at the airport has said this highlights the need for the facility to respond to the needs of the energy sector. Following the success of the contract, discussions to secure further energy sector business are now underway.

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In addition, the airport has also recently taken delivery of two new fire appliances, costing almost £700,000. The purpose-built tenders are part of a £7m roll out by HIAL of 20 new state-of-the-art vehicles across the group.

William Sutherland, Manager of HIAL, said: "We are grateful to Premier Oil, Aker Solutions and Far North Aviation during what has been an exceptionally busy time for Wick John O'Groats airport.

"January's passenger numbers underline the airport's importance as a hub for the energy sector and, more importantly, its ability to react rapidly and efficiently as a team to meet the fast-changing needs of the energy sector.

"Ours is a flexible operation that can accommodate demand for short and long term contracts, as required. This flexibility and the personal service provided is a key selling point for the airport."

Inglis Lyon, Managing Director of HIAL, added: "Wick John O'Groats airport is of huge strategic importance to the HIAL group. The airport serves the business and tourism needs of Caithness and Sutherland but, as last month' figures illustrate, it is also a particularly important gateway for the energy sector.

"Our investment this year underlines our commitment to grow the airport and consolidate its status as a hub for the oil, gas and renewables sector."

(JP/MH)