UK GOVERNMENT MUST STEP UP TO PROTECT HIGHLAND AIRWAYS

UK GOVERNMENT MUST STEP UP TO PROTECT HIGHLAND AIRWAYS

HMRC MUST TAKE A REALISTIC VIEW

Na h-Eileanan an Iar SNP MP Angus MacNeil has today (Thursday) called on
the Secretary of State for Scotland, Jim Murphy MP to intervene to help
save Highland Airways.

The airline which provides vital links across the Highlands and Islands is
currently in discussions with a potential investor.

Commenting Angus MacNeil said:

"Highland Airways provides an essential service and supports jobs and
local businesses in communities across the Western Isles and beyond.

"Time is of the essence for ensuring the long term future of this vital
service provider and the Secretary of State must step up and do all he can
across the UK Government.

"The Scottish Government are taking steps to safeguard the airline's
survival and I have written to Jim Murphy to ensure these efforts are
replicated in London.

"The support of other creditors will be to no avail if HMRC and doesn't
take a realistic view."