To ask the Scottish Government what representations it can make to Loganair to ensure that constituents in Na h-Eileanan an Iar are not disadvantaged as a result of recent changes to flight timetables. (S6O-03472)

I commend Alasdair Allan for his ability to say those words.

Like all airlines, Loganair continually reviews capacity and schedules to ensure the most efficient use of its aircraft. In doing so, it has regard to the needs of the communities that it serves to try to achieve the optimum connectivity for all. That is because, over the course of a day, an aircraft can be used to serve the Western Isles, Orkney, Shetland and other routes. We understand that the recent changes are intended to improve the overall resilience of the network and, in particular, reliability and punctuality. Ultimately, these are decisions for Loganair, but I know that it will welcome representations from its customers on how to make further improvements.

Recent changes to the Stornoway to Inverness timetable have pushed flights closer to the middle of the day, with significant ramifications for my constituents who, for example, require medical treatment in Inverness. As a result of the timetable changes, many consultants from Raigmore hospital can no longer carry out clinics in Uist, and those who travel to and from Aberdeen for work have found that the precious time that they get to spend with their families is cut even further by the new timetable. What more can the Scottish Government do to ensure that lifeline services that are operated by private companies meet the needs of islanders?

I absolutely take on board the issue that Alasdair Allan has raised. Although the timetabling of commercial flights is a matter for the airlines involved, the Scottish Government recognises that more can be done to bring transport planning and health service planning together.

We are working closely with the Highlands and Islands Transport Partnership to scope out a plan of work. HITRANS recently convened a meeting of health boards in its area to discuss the establishment of a health and transport action plan, which would allow public agencies and transport providers to better consider the effect of, and any proposed mitigations to, scheduled changes. Similarly, I hope that such a plan would encourage those who contract the public service obligation routes to look at those schedules and how they fit in with the schedules of other transport operators to ensure that the needs of passengers are met.

As I said to Liam McArthur, officials are scheduled to have a meeting in Comhairle nan Eilean Siar to discuss healthcare provision in June. We will update the member with those findings.

Alasdair Allan has raised an important point about the impact that Loganair timetable changes can have on his constituents. I can confirm that constituents in Shetland can also face disadvantage with regard to timetables. The Shetland to Aberdeen connection is vital for patients attending appointments at NHS Grampian. Unfortunately, however, the aircraft does not overnight in Shetland, so any delays in the plane coming north first thing in the morning can seriously impact Shetland patients. Often, their hospital appointments have to be rescheduled. Will the Scottish Government consider making representations to Loganair about that aspect of the Shetland to Aberdeen flight route?

I can confirm that I will ask officials to take a look at the issue that Beatrice Wishart has raised while they are having a look at all the other issues that have already been mentioned.