New plane to be bought for Barra beach airport run

A Twin Otter on the beach at Barra

Work will start over the next 12 months on buying a new aircraft to serve on lifeline routes, the Scottish government has said.

It would fly between Glasgow, Tiree, Campbeltown and Barra's beach airport.

The routes are currently served by two Twin Otter aircraft which are approaching the end of their operational life.

The government said funding could be made available later for a second plane.

The current contract to provide the air services comes to an end in 2013.

Bids would be sought to operate and maintain the new aircraft bought by the government.

Work will begin during 2011-12 on purchasing one aircraft.

The next government spending review would decide whether to go-ahead and buy a second plane.