Transport / ZetTrans the right vehicle for local transport choices – says councillor Lyall
COUNCIL officers have begun exploring how Shetland could be more specifically involved in a project designed to bring low emission aviation to the Highlands and Islands.
Based at Kirkwall Airport and managed by HiTrans, the transport partnership for the region, the project is now looking at the feasibility of deploying six hybrid airships on Highlands and Islands services.
The agreement between HiTrans and Bedford-based Hybrid Air Vehicles, announced at the end of April, includes developing a full business case for the commercial operation of the Airlander 10 aircraft in the region for passenger and freight.
Asked by Shetland News whether the isles are precluded from participating in such projects because Shetland is part of the single authority transport partnership ZetTrans rather than HiTrans, the organisation’s chair councillor Moraig Lyall said “having our own transport partnership gives us the independence and flexibility to make the right choices for Shetland”.
She said: “For example, we have secured £800k of funding for active travel this financial year, which we may not have done without our own RTP [regional transport partnership].”
Lyall said there was “significant existing collaboration” with the other seven regional partnerships, including recent support from all RTPs for the principle of fixed links in Shetland.
With regards to the sustainable aviation test environment (SATE) project at Kirkwall Airport, she added: “It is worth noting that we have already had test flights from Tingwall Airport of an autonomous drone type aircraft in an earlier stage of the project.”
Councillor Lyall continued by saying that regarding the wider issue raised, there is expected to be a review of governance of transport across Scotland and views will be sought on this in due course.
However, there appears to be little appetite for change as neither ZetTrans members or any councillors have asked for a review of the existing arrangements.
Become a supporter of Shetland News
Shetland News is asking its many readers to consider start paying for their dose of the latest local news delivered straight to their PC, tablet or mobile phone.
Journalism comes at a price and because that price is not being paid in today’s rapidly changing media world, most publishers - national and local - struggle financially despite very healthy audience figures.
Most online publishers have started charging for access to their websites, others have chosen a different route. Shetland News currently has over 600 supporters who are all making small voluntary financial contributions. All funds go towards covering our cost and improving the service further.
Your contribution will ensure Shetland News can: -
- Bring you the headlines as they happen;
- Stay editorially independent;
- Give a voice to the community;
- Grow site traffic further;
- Research and publish more in-depth news, including more Shetland Lives features.
If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please become a supporter of Shetland News by either making a single payment or monthly subscription.
Support us from as little as £3 per month – it only takes a minute to sign up. Thank you.