The Scottish Government has maintained regular contact with the UK Government on matters related to the airports commission and, in particular, our request that Scotland’s access to the UK global hub airport be maintained in the lead-up to new runway capacity and increased once that is in place.

As I am sure the Cabinet secretary is aware, we expect an announcement in the next few weeks on whether Heathrow or Gatwick is to benefit from a new runway. The Scottish business community is firmly of the view that the Heathrow option is the better one for connectivity to Scotland. Will the Scottish Government join the Scottish Conservatives, even at this late hour, in calling on the UK Government to opt for the Heathrow upgrade?

I congratulate Murdo Fraser on speaking in the chamber for the first time since the election without mentioning the words “independence referendum”.

I am pleased to have some clarity about the Conservatives’ position. In 2010, Ruth Davidson opposed the Heathrow option, but apparently she now supports it. The Conservative Party has opposed and supported the devolution of air passenger duty, but I am now not sure what its position is. These are important issues for Scotland’s air services.

The delay in relation to the runway has been not just weeks but months and years, and it has been caused by the one body that can make the decisions: the UK Government. We have put pressure on the UK Government—and we have had the right discussions with both Heathrow and Gatwick airports—to ensure that, whatever decision is taken, it is in Scotland’s interests in terms of routes, facilities and infrastructure. We will continue to do that to ensure that Scotland’s interests are put to the forefront. We will also continue to talk to the UK Government about the need to maintain and guarantee links to Scotland, which is the most important thing for Scottish air travellers.

Links between regional airports such as Inverness airport and the hub airport will be vital to the rural economy. What can the Scottish Government do to ensure that regional links are there and to push for a decision to end the damaging uncertainty?

We have made it absolutely clear that, whichever London airport prevails—we know the commission’s recommendation—Scotland’s airports must benefit from enhanced access such as the member mentions. The new Inverness-Heathrow service is evidence of what we can help to bring about under the existing capacity limitations, and it is entirely reasonable to expect significant further gains. A number of airlines have made the point that some additional services could be gained.

It is clear that the decision is long overdue and is having a detrimental effect on the whole of the UK. We can see improved services for the regions, as Maree Todd mentioned, and I suggest that the UK Government get on and make its decision.

5. To ask the Scottish Government what recent correspondence it has had with the United Kingdom Government regarding the impact on Scotland of the expansion of either Heathrow or Gatwick airports. (S5O-00235)