New Glasgow – Wick route opens door to stronger Highland business links
Business chiefs say a new air route between Glasgow and Wick will be a “game changer” for investment and connectivity.
Following the launch of the new dual-route Public Service Obligation (PSO) between Wick and Glasgow, Scottish Chambers of Commerce Chief Executive Charandeep Singh BEM will fly north on the new Air Charter Scotland service for a two-day programme with businesses across the North Highlands.
Mr Singh will meet with Caithness business leaders to discuss the opportunities and challenges shaping the regional economy, before delivering a keynote speech at the North Highland Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Dinner on 3 September.
Ahead of the event, Air Charter Scotland is providing Scottish Chambers with complimentary flights on the new PSO service, departing Glasgow on Wednesday 2 September and returning on Friday 4 September.
The programme will include visits to Wick Harbour and Imenco, followed by a trip to John O’Groats to meet 8 Doors Distillery, John O’Groats Brewery, John O’Groats Mill and John O’Groats Development Trust.
North Highland Chamber says Mr Singh’s visit provides an early example of how the new air link can improve business connections between the North Highlands and the rest of Scotland, allowing more time to meet businesses, visit sites, and build connections across the region.
Trudy Morris, Chief Executive of North Highland Chamber of Commerce, said:
“This visit is a practical example of what improved connectivity can deliver for the North Highland economy. It’s an important opportunity to give Scottish Chambers first-hand insight into both the scale of opportunity here and the particular challenges our businesses face.
“Building strong relationships with the wider Scottish business community helps ensure the North Highland business voice is heard and understood nationally.”
Charandeep Singh BEM, Chief Executive of Scottish Chambers of Commerce, said:
“The new air link is a game changer for regional connectivity. This can be the difference between an investor getting on-site, a business reaching a customer, and someone getting home to see their family.
“I’m looking forward to using the new service and making the most of the shorter journey to spend more time with businesses across the region, hear their priorities and bring that perspective directly into the work we do across the Scottish Chambers network.”
Derek Thomson, Chief Operating Officer at Air Charter Scotland, said:
“Air Charter Scotland is delighted to support the visit from Scottish Chambers of Commerce and to demonstrate the important role the new Glasgow–Wick PSO route can play in improving business connectivity across Scotland.
“We are committed to supporting the route and ensuring it delivers real value for the communities and businesses it serves. Making it easier and more efficient for business leaders to travel between the Highlands and the wider Scottish business network is a key part of that.
“We hope this visit will help strengthen the connections between North Highland Chamber and the wider Scottish Chambers network, while showcasing how the PSO route can support businesses, organisations and communities across the region.”
