To ask the Scottish Executive whether, in considering the future of the licensed airfield at Traigh Mhor on Barra, it, or any bodies from which it is taking advice, have taken any account of the availability of aircraft suitable for operating public transport flights from sand runways and, if so, to what extent this availability is likely to influence decision making.

The availability of aircraft to provide an air service to Barra is inherent in any consideration by the Executive of continued support for a Public Service Obligation service.