Helen Liddell: "Things should improve"

She believes direct flights into Scotland from the US and European destinations, including Madrid, Berlin, Rome and Lisbon, would boost tourist numbers.

And Mrs Liddell insists it would make it easier for holidaymakers and business people who are having to catch time-consuming and often pricey connections.

A spokesman for Mrs Liddell said: "Airlines have a potential for doing a lot more to connect Scotland directly with other destinations. But a lot of them often see various obstacles in the way.

"We want to meet up with airlines and other people who can help and discuss the enormous benefits increased routes would provide to everyone concerned, the travellers and the airlines themselves."

Demand for routes

It is hoped that at least eight new international routes from Scotland will be introduced in the next year or so.

The spokesman added: "There has been an argument that there is not sufficient demand within Scotland for direct international routes to be viable, but this is clearly not true.

"Every modern country in Europe has a good range direct international flights and that includes Ireland, where there are a number of routes available.

Scotland has the potential to be a world-class tourist destination and we are keen to make this a reality

Scottish Executive spokeswoman

"We don't see how Scotland should be any different because there is clearly a demand and a need for new routes.

More routes to Scotland would inevitably mean more tourists and that, of course, would be a huge plus."

The Scottish Executive has already had discussions with Scottish Enterprise and airport operators including Scottish Airports and Highlands and Islands Airports about the promotion of more direct services.

An executive spokeswoman said: "We shall continue to seek these organisations to identify potentially commercial routes and to encourage their development."

She said ministers had already been in talks with Continental Airlines with a view to establishing more direct flights between Scotland and the US.

The spokeswoman added: "Scotland has the potential to be a world-class tourist destination and we are keen to make this a reality.

"And heading in the other direction, there is real enthusiasm in Scotland for expanding business and tourism links with the US."