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<font size="4" face="Times New Roman, Times, serif"><i>From Liam
McArthur on Facebook:</i><br>
The Islander Discount Scheme and the Air Discount Scheme both
provide important financial relief for passengers in Orkney, where
ferry and flight services are a huge part of the local transport
ecosystem. Last month, following concerns and uncertainty around
the future of these vital schemes, I wrote to the Scottish
Government seeking confirmation that they would not be scrapped. <br>
I'm pleased to share that Ministers have confirmed that the ADS
will continue to operate beyond its scheduled end date of 31 March
2026, with consideration of how the scheme could be reviewed
currently underway. Additionally, I was assured that the Islander
Discount Scheme on NorthLink services will not be removed, despite
a reduction in the subsidy to NorthLink in the current budget and
the welcome removal of \u2018peak\u2019 fares. <br>
These schemes are critical to ensuring lifeline air and ferry
services are as accessible and affordable as possible.</font>
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