Goody-bag time

Today sees the resumption of the Highlands and Islands Convention. As usual on these occasions, the First Minister arrives bearing gifts, as the Executive's press release points out:

"A funding package of around £6 million had been agreed to create a new regional air hub in Oban and new licensed airfields on the islands of Coll and Colonsay.
First Minister Jack McConnell, at the Convention of the Highlands and Islands at Inverary today, said creating the new island airfields will mean islanders and tourists have an alternative to the existing ferry service - opening up the area to increased business and tourism.
The new air service will integrate with the existing scheduled air services between Tiree/Glasgow and allow the Argyll Island air network to link with the pan-Highland and national services.
The First Minister said: "Since the creation of the Highlands and Islands Development Board 40 years ago, this part of Scotland has been transformed. The economy is strong, tourism is booming and people are being attracted to live and to work here.
"Where once people were leaving their communities in search of jobs, they are now staying and helping their area to thrive.
"These new airports will make sure that this Highland Renaissance can continue. They will open up some of the most spectacular scenery in the world to more tourists. They will make sure that businesses can remain connected. And 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 cost of £6.2 million will benefit the inhabitants of Coll and Colonsay. Coll has a population of 150, while Colonsay numbers about 100. The average cost of the airfield infrastructure (and this is the capital cost - there will be additional operating costs falling on the public purse) therefore amounts to about £25,000 per inhabitant. Does this make economic sense?

Ah, but what about the tourism potential? Well unfortunately, Coll does not even have a hotel, only some self-catering accommodation. Colonsay has a six bedroom hotel (as well as more self catering accommodation), but I rather doubt that this has the capacity to make a significant impact in terms of tourist numbers.

But never mind - who cares about economics when the Highlands and Islands Convention comes to town?