Plan for flights connecting Wick with Aberdeen and Edinburgh

People in the north Highlands could be able to fly to Edinburgh next year under a proposed expansion of the subsidised air service at Wick John O' Groats Airport.

Eastern Airways entered administration in November, grounding regular flights between Wick and Aberdeen.

Highland Council hopes to find a new airline to run the public service obligation (PSO) route, which is supported by the local authority and Scottish government.

A spokesperson said the initial two-year contract would be for operating services from Wick to both Aberdeen and Edinburgh.

Highland Council leader Raymond Bremner said the publication of an invitation to companies to bid for the contract represented a "major step" forward in efforts to secure the future of Wick's air services.

He added: "I have long made the case that not just continuation, but expansion of these services is needed to best serve people living and working in the north Highlands.

"I am also keenly aware of the local demand for restored air connectivity to Edinburgh."

Transport Scotland said it was considering the business case from Highland Council on a future Wick to Aberdeen/Edinburgh route and would confirm next steps in due course.