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Appendix 1 - HIAL and the Scottish Government's Five Strategic Priorities
8.7 HIAL contributes to the Scottish Government's five key priorities in the following ways:
Wealthier and Fairer
8.8 Many of the air services provided in the Highlands and Islands carry a greater significance than in other parts of the UK because of their lifeline nature.
8.9 Through airport provision, the Company facilitates improved air services in the Highlands and Islands and Dundee and as a result, individuals benefit from better and cheaper connectivity to other parts of Scotland and the UK whilst businesses benefit from the ability to move goods and personnel more quickly and more economically, vastly improving business connectivity and access to new and existing markets. Local economies are strengthened by increased in-bound tourism as a result of the improved air services which HIAL's airports make possible.
8.10 Adding to the social inclusion perspective, better connectivity to the main population and economic centres of Scotland and elsewhere in the UK removes some of the social barriers that people in the Highlands and Islands face, providing easier access to a wider selection of services.
Healthier
8.11 Through HIAL's facilitation of an improving network of air services in the Highlands and Islands, residents in the remotest areas are afforded easier and quicker access to a wider range of specialised healthcare services. HIAL's airports also facilitate the operation of air ambulance flights.
Safer and Stronger
8.12 Peripheral communities in the Highlands and Islands are strengthened by improved connectivity to other parts of Scotland and the UK. The improved air links and connectivity which HIAL's operations provide offer encouragement to local people to stay in these areas and provide an incentive for others elsewhere to relocate which in turn energises local businesses, schools and civic life. Taken as a whole, the Highlands and Islands are enjoying increases in population larger than the Scottish average and improved air services have contributed in many areas to halting and reversing population decline.
Smarter
8.13 Improved air services provide young people in particular in the Highlands and Islands with better access to educational opportunities in schools and further and higher educational establishments - a benefit which is further enhanced by the existence of the Scottish Government's Air Discount Scheme. Average attainment levels in schools in the Highlands and Islands are greater than the Scottish average. High quality schooling is influenced by demand from parents and the provision of good quality teaching personnel. HIAL's facilitation of improved air links can provide an important incentive for those with young families and educational professionals to remain in the Highlands and Islands and indeed relocate there. Educational establishments in the Highlands and Islands, including the University of the Highlands & Islands, have also benefited from improved connectivity.
Greener
8.14 Whilst HIAL's infrastructure provides for enhanced air services, which in turn have an environmental impact, many of the air services provided in the Highlands and Islands perform a more socially important function than those serving more populated areas with good transport alternatives. With smaller aircraft and more limited frequency, air services in the Highlands and Islands account for only a very small fraction of UK aviation emissions, although the Scottish Government's policy considerations acknowledge that all forms of aviation have a part to play in seeking to mitigate the impact on the environment.
8.15 HIAL is committed to managing environmental performance in line with the sustainable development agenda in Scotland. Resources have been allocated to introduce energy efficiency measures across the Company's estate and capital projects to incorporate sustainability measures wherever possible. The development of a stand-alone radar system at Inverness Airport will facilitate flight procedures which minimise fuel burn and reduce noise emissions. The Company has developed an Environmental Management System, in line with "Green Government" policy, which promotes more sustainable surface access options to its airports and promotes, wherever practicable, sustainable procurement policies and good environmental practice, including full assessment of the environmental impact of airport development.
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