SUNDAY ISLE FLIGHTS 'A SUCCESS'

AVIATION chiefs yesterday hailed controversial Sunday flights to the Western Isles a success.

Flights to Lewis have risen by over 18 per cent, said Highlands and Islands Airports Ltd (HIAL), operator of Stornoway Airport.

The scheduled Sunday flights, whose first anniversary is today, were introduced amid protests by religious islanders wishing to keep the traditional Sabbath.

The seven-day service to Lewis from the Central Belt and the Highlands ,operated by Loganair and bmi, had enhanced the social and economic life of the islands, said HIAL.

However, the Presbyterian Church remains opposed to the flights, saying they go against God's will.

Figures from Last October to September this year showed that over 107,000 passengers passed through the terminal - a rise of 18.5 per cent in a year.

John Hay, west regional manager at HIAL, said: "We believe the move has increased tourist traffic and enabled people to return home to the islands for a weekend and be back on the mainland in time for work on a Monday morning."

"The vast majority of feedback we have had as a result of seven- day operations has been positive, and we are delighted that the airport continues to make an important social and economic contribution to the life of the islands."

But Western Isles minister Calum Maclean disagreed with Mr Hay's comments that the flights had enhanced life on the islands.

"I would say the opposite of that," he said. "I would say it has a negative effect. Sunday flights cannot bring any good or prosperity to the island."

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