His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales, Duke of Rothesay, officially opened the upgraded terminal building and gateway project at Wick Airport today (Monday 1 August).

HIAL has invested more than £800,000 in the capital project which was completed earlier this year and now provides an enhanced passenger facility for the people of Caithness.

The terminal upgrade was carried out to comply with National Aviation Security Programme requirements and includes new check in, baggage handling and central search facilities, an expanded departure lounge and improvements to the main concourse.

The gateway project has created an environment within the terminal that portrays the culture, heritage, landscape and economy of Caithness and promotes the area to passengers and other terminal users. To date the gateway includes contributions from Caithness and Sutherland Enterprise, The Highland Council, Caithness Stone Industries, Inverhouse Distillers, Castle of Mey Trust, Clan Sinclair and Wick Heritage Society.

The design and artwork for the gateway was produced by Orkney-based artist Sheila Scott who has previously worked on HIAL gateways at Kirkwall and Islay airports.

Wick Airport handled 29,000 passengers and 5,900 aircraft movements last year. British Airways’ franchise partner Loganair operate scheduled services to Edinburgh and Sumburgh while Eastern Airways operate a scheduled service between Wick and Aberdeen.

HIAL’s Wick Airport Manager, Angela Donaldson said: “We were delighted that His Royal Highness was able to carry out the official opening today. The airport now offers a greatly enhanced facility to passengers and the gateway project gives a fantastic impression of the surrounding area to visitors.

“The late Queen Mother was a regular visitor to the airport and we were very pleased that the Prince was able to continue this family association with his visit today.”

ENDS