PUBLIC STAKE IN SCOTTISH AIRPORT STILL AN OPTION.

PUBLIC STAKE IN SCOTTISH AIRPORT STILL AN OPTION.

Ahead of tomorrows expected decision from the Competition Commission on airport ownership in Scotland SNP MSP Jamie
Hepburn has reiterated calls for there to be consideration of Scotland's local authorities taking a stake in future ownership.

The publicly owned Manchester Airports Group has today confirmed it is still interested in purchasing either Edinburgh
or Glasgow should one be put up for sale [1].

Mr Hepburn has urged local authorities in the area surrounding Glasgow airport to investigate the possibility of them taking a

stake in such a deal.

Mr Hepburn, who has previously lodged a motion in the Scottish Parliament on the subject [2], has written to Transport Minister Stewart Stevenson, asking what steps the Scottish Government is taking to monitor developments in this area, and what discussions it has had with public transport bodies and local authorities about the situation.

Commenting, Jamie Hepburn MSP said:

"The decision on BAA's ownership of both Edinburgh and Glasgow could present an opportunity for local authorities to take a

stake in the future ownership of one of these airports.

“Manchester Airport Groups continued interest in acquiring one of Scotland’s airports demonstrates that a public ownership

model is certainly feasible. I also think it would be desirable.

“There would though, be a certain irony if one of our airports were to end up in public hands, but without Scottish public involvement.

“We may find that the limits of devolution mean that it won’t be possible to leverage the necessary funds to allow such a bid

to progress, but I do believe that the principle of a public sector involvement is sound.

“I continue to believe that a public ownership model would allow for a more sustainable approach to developing Scotland’s

airports that would put the interests of passengers first and allow for better integration with the rest of our public transport system.”