The official opening of Oban Airport was carried out on Thursday by Stewart Stevenson, Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Climate Change.

This marked a historic occasion in Argyll and Bute Council's calendar, with the airport providing scheduled flights to some of the most isolated communities in the country.

Council Leader, Councillor Dick Walsh, said: "Today marks the official opening of this wonderful new facility which will be a major benefit to the people of Argyll and Bute.

"The airport provides regular flights from Oban to the islands of Coll, Colonsay and Tiree and the potential for this service is great.

"Argyll and Bute Council and its partners share a vision which is to be a leading rural area, providing and improving services that will promote and improve the quality of life to the people that we represent.

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"We are confident that the Argyll Air Services will support economic development in the area as well as attracting more visitors. In addition, this transport option will enable island children attending Oban High School to take advantage of our special scholar flights and fly home regularly."

Councillor Duncan Macintyre, the Council's Roads and Transport spokesperson, added: "Local air services to the Scottish islands started as early as the 1930s and regular services have run through Campbeltown, Islay and Tiree for many years. The smaller Argyll islands were not included in the original development of air services.

"Today's opening of Oban Airport will counter population decline and support the sustainability of island economies. The new air services have brought these islands and Oban into the air services network in the highlands and islands of Scotland with the potential for significant wider benefits to the Oban and north Argyll communities."

Transport Minister, Stewart Stevenson, said: "This is a great day for Oban. This new airport is so important, opening up access for islanders, tourists and businesses alike.

"The new air services from Oban to Coll, Colonsay and Tiree will improve the ease with which residents can access vital services such as specialist health care, education and business opportunities removing the need to undertake a three-day trip."

The flights will be provided by Highland Airways who, following a competitive tendering process, were chosen as the preferred bidder in July last year.

(GK/KMcA)