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North Isles Airfields Flying High at National Transport Awards

Date: 27 March 2018

Time: 09:47

Orkney's council-operated airfields have been shortlisted for a national award.

The North Isles airfields are up against Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Glasgow and Inverness Airports in the Airport of the Year Award at the Scottish Transport Awards.

The Scottish Transport Awards are about recognising excellence in transport, rewarding innovation and progress for transport initiatives which are really working and driving progress.

Entries in the Airport of the Year category had to provide evidence of excellence or significant improvement in overall performance or provision of facilities over the past 12 months.

The winners will be announced at a ceremony in Glasgow on 14 June.

Orkney Islands Council has six island airfields situated on the  islands of Eday, North Ronaldsay, Papa Westray, Sanday, Stronsay, and Westray. Ideally located for visitors to the Northern Isles in uncontrolled airspace with some of the most breath-taking scenery in Scotland, the airfields are situated some 14 to 28 nm (nautical miles) North of Kirkwall Airport. In addition to the essential level of service provided to the north isles, the nomination has recognised the significant work which has taken place over the past year or so with regards to new buildings, garages and other equipment, the provision of modern fire fighting equipment, runway resurfacing and airfield staff training.

Gavin Barr is Orkney Islands Council's Director of Development and Infrastructure Services. He said: "Orkney Islands Council is in a fairly unique position in operating council-owned airfields. Our airfields team has done a power of work over the last few years and I am delighted to see that hard work rewarded with a place at these prestigious awards."

Graham Sinclair is Chair of the Council's Development and Infrastructure Committee: "Last year we celebrated 50 years of council-owned airfields and this shortlisting is a great way to mark that. Our isles residents depend on this lifeline service and are justifiably proud of it, with many in fact employed as airfield attendants. I congratulate staff on this fantastic achievement, particularly where you see the size of the airports that we have been selected against."

Roy Brannen, Chief Executive, Transport Scotland, said: "These Awards are a great opportunity to recognise the contribution by our professionals in improving and enhancing Scotland's transport networks. Everyday Transport Scotland sees the effort, collaboration and results from everyone involved in providing a successful journey for Scotland's travelling public, and I am delighted to be asked to take on the task of helping to judge and identify these nominated schemes that showcase the best approach."