Argyll and the Islands Enterprise (AIE) has committed over £1.6m in a bid to help improve air services to some of Argyll's most fragile islands as well as the upgrade of Oban Airport.

In addition, the result of an application for £2.2m from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) is expected in the coming months.

The development, which will cost over £4m, will involve the upgrading of airstrips on Coll and Colonsay and the purchase of necessary equipment at both airports to meet Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) requirements.  Under the plans, Oban Airport is to be redeveloped with the establishment of a terminal building, car parking and the necessary safety equipment required for CAA licensing.

At the root of AIE's proposals is the commitment to secure improved air services with the introduction of scheduled flights from Coll, Colonsay and Tiree to Oban and onward to the central belt.

The improvement in air services will allow children from the islands, attending secondary school in Oban, to return home at weekends.  It will also mean improved access to healthcare, outreach and specialist services.

Flights from the islands to Oban will also allow residents to take day trips to the mainland and Coll, Colonsay and Tiree's tourism industry is in line for a boost as a direct result.

Chief executive at AIE, Ken Abernethy said: "One of our priorities is to reduce peripherality through investment in the area's transport infrastructure by improving the conditions for more people to live and work in remote areas.

"The introduction of scheduled air services between Oban and the islands will make a significant contribution to improving the area's economic prospects and enhancing the quality of life for residents.  As such, this will support AIE's wider efforts to reverse population decline."

Tom Matthew, transport policy manager at Highlands and Islands Enterprise said:
"HIE recognise the need for continual improvement in our region's transport services and there is a particular need to do so in the case of the Argyll islands.  This project is intended to supplement rather than replace existing ferry services to the islands.

"This along with current efforts to improve ferry services to Islay will begin to raise the quality of transport services to some of our remotest communities towards a level fitting with the requirements of the 21st century."

Argyll and Bute Council's transport spokesman, Councillor Duncan MacIntyre said: "The Council wants to see air services to islands such as Colonsay and Coll, using Oban as a hub, and linking to the central belt.  We are determined to lobby for support to put in place air services to some of our most remote and isolated island communities. There is also potential to serve other West Coast islands and to link to other UK regional airports."