Major Investment For Wick John O'Groats

£600,000 is being invested in upgrading Wick John O'Groats airport.

Work to refurbish the apron where aircraft are parked is due to start in the summer.

It comes after an 86% rise in passenger numbers for January on 2014.

The airport has also recently taken delivery of 2 new fire appliances, costing almost £700,000.

The purpose built tenders are part of a £7 million roll out by HIAL of 20 new state of the art vehicles across the group.

Operators say a contract to service a major oil field in the West of Shetland basin has boosted passenger numbers.

Oil workers have been flowing through the airport since before Christmas after a contract was struck with operator Premier Oil, Aker Solutions and Far North Aviation to service the Solan field.

Discussions to secure further energy sector business are continuing.

Airport manager William Sutherland said: “We are grateful to Premier Oil, Aker Solutions and Far North Aviation during what has been an exceptionally busy time for Wick John O’Groats airport.

"January’s passenger numbers underline the airport’s importance as a hub for the energy sector and, more importantly, its ability to react rapidly and efficiently as a team to meet the fast changing needs of the energy sector.

"Ours is a flexible operation that can accommodate demand for short and long term contracts, as required. This flexibility and the personal service provided is a key selling point for the airport."

HIAL Managing Director Inglis Lyon said: “Wick John O’Groats airport is of huge strategic importance to the HIAL group.

"The airport serves the business and tourism needs of Caithness and Sutherland but, as last month’s figures illustrate, it is also a particularly important gateway for the energy sector.

"Our investment this year underlines our commitment to grow the airport and consolidate its status as a hub for the oil, gas and renewables sector.”