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.

As HIAL is a publicly owned company, ministers have the power to intervene, with Prospect members forced to strike in defence of their jobs.

Ms Villalba challenged Rural Affairs and Islands Minister Mairi Gougeon to help save these crucial jobs for Scotland’s island communities, claiming she is alarmed at the unwillingness to intervene. 

She said: “The Cabinet Secretary refused to listen to the workers and affected communities, passing the buck onto her ministerial colleagues covering transport.

“This attempt to pass blame within the Scottish government shows the contempt which they hold for the interests and views of our island communities.”

The issue was also raised by Ms Grant in Holyrood, with Nicola Sturgeon saying she recognised the concerns and that they would be addressed. 

A petition from the affected communities asking for the plans to be halted is now being heard in Holyrood. 

A government spokeswoman told the Star Labour’s suggestions were not true, with the Transport Ministry holding discussions on the issue with Western Isles Council and Orkney Islands Council last month.

She said the changes would improve resilience, safety and reliability of services, and HIAL would continue to engage as the programme is implemented.

A HIAL spokesman said that unless work moved forward, air connections to rural communities could not be guaranteed.

He added that they remain in dialogue with the union and no reduction in jobs will result from the proposal.