OPPOSITION MSPs condemned the Scottish government today for its inaction in a crucial dispute which could see dozens of jobs lost across Scotland’s island communities. 

Labour’s Rhoda Grant and Mercedes Villalba, who represent areas affected by the planned centralisation of air traffic control services by Highlands and Islands Airports (HIAL), challenged SNP ministers to intervene. 

HIAL’s plans would result in the loss of high-skilled and well-paid jobs, which a report published this summer by the Prospect union suggested could strip an estimated £18 million out of island communities.