STEWART PATERSON

Political Correspondent

THE announcement of a third runway at Heathrow Airport has been welcomed a good news for Scotland.

Business leaders and the Scottish Government have said it will boost trade and improve connections to the rest of the world.

The decision was taken to increase capacity at the UK’s largest airport after a lengthy process with Gatwick also bidding for the investment.

The work will not start until 2020 and won’t be complete until at least 2025 and is estimated to cost £15bn.

Business leaders in Glasgow has long called for Heathrow to get the nod as it offers more onward journeys and has more flights from and to Scotland.

The UK Government took the decision although the cabinet is split over the plan, with Boris Johnson a long-time opponent of expansion at the airport previously stating he would ‘lie in front of the bulldozers’.

Stuart Patrick, chief executive of Glasgow Chamber of Commerce said: “For businesses across Scotland, it will mean the opportunity of getting our goods and services to new customers in every corner of the world, with access to up to 40 new long haul destinations. Today’s decision shows the world that we are willing to take tough decisions to build the infrastructure we need to stay open for business, strengthening our economy and connectivity.”

The Scottish Government welcomed the decision as good for Scotland.

Keith Brown, Economy Secretary, said: “Expansion at Heathrow offers significant job creation, major investment opportunities and, crucially, seeks to address how all of Scotland’s airports benefit from the new runway capacity when it is built and also in the lead-up period.

“We will now work with both Heathrow and the UK Government to ensure commitments made to Scotland are followed through.

The Scottish Conservatives also welcomed the decision. Ruth Davison said “The Scottish business community had been clear that expanding hub services at Heathrow was the best option to improve routes to market for Scottish goods and services.”

Others however warned it was the wrong priority. John Finnie, Green MSP said: “The real priorities for our tourist industry are skilled workers, better rail and bus travel for workers and visitors, and better broadband and mobile reception.

“Those cheering today’s announcement are celebrating a backward step.”