HIAL is extending its programme of gateway projects to Islay.

The upgrade and extension currently underway at the island’s airport will include a gateway element aimed at giving travellers a flavour of the history and culture of the island when they arrive by air.

A committee of local stakeholders and partners has been formed to drive forward the gateway project at Islay and HIAL has made a commitment to fund 50% of the project costs.

The project committee includes representatives from: HIAL; Islay and Jura Marketing Group; Islay Airport Consultative Committee; Argyll and the Islands Enterprise; Scottish Natural Heritage; Islay Distilleries; Museum of Islay Life; Argyll, the Islands, Loch Lomond, Stirling & Trossachs Tourist Board; and Argyll and Bute Council.

Graphic designer Sheila Scott has been appointed to develop the gateway concept at Islay and local schools will also have the opportunity to participate when pupils are asked to come up with ideas that reflect the island and community of Islay. Sheila will then draw on these to create the final gateway design for the new terminal. Sheila previously worked on the Kirkwall Airport gateway project.

The upgrade and extension to the terminal are scheduled to be finished by the end of this year with the gateway element of the project to be completed in 2004.

The current building work will extend the terminal building to accommodate a new passenger departure lounge, enhanced check-in facilities and an automated baggage reclaim system. The upgrade will include security screening of hold and cabin baggage and a new archway metal detector will reduce some of the need for personal screening of passengers.

Andrew Lindsay, HIAL’s Station Manager at Islay Airport, said: "With more than 20,000 passengers using the airport every year we are often the first point of contact for visitors to the island. The gateway project will create a visual theme for the extended terminal building that captures the unique qualities of Islay and promotes these to air travllers."

Roy Cartledge, Regional Manager South, added: "Gateway projects have been successfully developed at many of our airports and help to give them distinct local identities. Islay Airport is very much a resource that benefits the whole island and we are pleased to be developing the gateway concept here with local stakeholders as part of the terminal upgrade."

ENDS