An airport upgrade and new airfields are planned

Jack McConnell said Oban Airport, owned by Argyll and Bute Council, would benefit from major improvements.

Money has also been provided to create new airfields on the islands of Coll and Colonsay.

Mr McConnell said the funding "will help the continued transformation of the Highlands and Islands" and boost the economy.

The changes have been geared towards opening up the islands to daytrippers while making it easier for inhabitants, whose numbers have been falling in recent decades, to travel to the mainland.

These new airports will make sure that this Highland Renaissance can continue Jack McConnell First Minister

Schoolchildren would be able to go home at weekends, while people needing to use lifeline services in Oban - such as the town's hospital - would also benefit from better access.

Mr McConnell, speaking ahead of the Convention of the Highlands and Islands in Inverary, said: "Where once people were leaving their communities in search of jobs, they are now staying and helping their area to thrive.

Tourism potential

"These new airports will make sure that this Highland Renaissance can continue."

Mr McConnell said he could see scope for further tourism potential.

He added: "They will make sure that more and more people choose to make the Highlands and Islands their home.

"This is an exciting project that will bring benefits to all of Scotland."

The executive has also confirmed its commitment to Barra

Head of Highlands and Islands Enterprise William Roe said: "This project has the potential to genuinely revolutionise life and work on the Argyll islands.

"These islands don't have a daily connection to the outside world during the winter which makes travel of any sort difficult."

"This new air service will represent a step change in transport provision. "Of particular importance in boosting the islands' attractiveness as a place to live and work will be the opportunity for schoolchildren to travel home to be with their families at weekends."

Figures last year showed an overall increase in passengers at Scotland's most remote and northerly airports, operated by state-run Highlands and Islands Airports (HIAL).

Transport Minister Tavish Scott confirmed the executive's commitment to the Barra to Glasgow service for the next three years.

The tender will be issued soon for the new contract to run from next April.