Current status: Answered by Jim Fairlie on 17 June 2025
To ask the Scottish Government what consideration it has given to business travel to island communities, and whether the Air Discount Scheme review will give consideration to necessary travel for apprentices to access learning and the reintroduction of business travel to support island economies.
Ministers have no plans to consider business travel under the Air Discount Scheme, as this would be in breach of current State Aid compliance.
Ministers are currently considering the scope and structure of the Air Discount Scheme review, including how the views of stakeholders can best be taken into account.
A key priority for the Scottish Government is to encourage apprenticeship delivery in island and rural communities to support inclusive growth. Through Skills Development Scotland we introduced a rural uplift for Modern Apprenticeship delivery which is an increased payment to training providers to encourage provision in island and rural areas.
Travel and Subsistence (including accommodation) funding is also available to support Apprentices who must attend structured and formal off-the-job training (outwith normal daily travel requirements) where this is required by the Modern Apprenticeship Framework.