Last flight cancelled to Scotland's most remote airport leaving hidden gem town stranded - Daily Record

Commercial flights to one of the most remote airports in the country have stopped, stranding the aviation hub. UK domestic airline Eastern Airways has suspended operations and cancelled all of its flights, dealing a big blow to the charming seaside town of Wick, which relied so heavily on the airline. Customers of the airline, which operated regional services from airports across the UK, are being urged not to go to the airport as flights will not be operating, the UK Civil Aviation Authority said. Destinations the airline flew to included Aberdeen, Humberside, London Gatwick, Newquay, Teesside International and Wick, according to its website. All of those airports have other airlines that service them, aside from Wick John O'Groats, which sits at the top of mainland UK. The only other airline listed on FlightRadar as serving Wick is Gama Aviation, a specialist business aviation firm. Wick Airport would not tell the Mirror if any other airlines were operating there. That likely means that the remote airport and town next to it are effectively cut off in aviation terms -- a significant blow, given the 15-hour train journey required to get to London from Wick and eight hours to Glasgow. It's also a big shame for visitors to the small town - a charming seaside spot brimming with stunning scenery and seafaring heritage. Nestled within Caithness, Wick is an ancient Viking stronghold. Previously Europe's most hectic herring harbour, this diminutive coastal community now draws visitors from across the world due to its elaborate fortress remains, jagged coastline, and abundant fauna. "Around three miles north of Wick, the dramatic 15th to 17th century ruins of Sinclair and Girnigoe castles rise steeply from a needle-thin promontory," proclaims Visit Scotland, the region's official tourism organisation. "There is a good clifftop walk to the castle via Noss Head Lighthouse from the tiny fishing village of Staxigoe. Visitors will encounter a wide selection of wildlife along the way including various species of seabirds and puffins and a beautiful scenic beach, popular for windsurfing and sand-yachting, awaits them at the end of Sinclair Bay." Holidaymakers seeking something extraordinary visit Ebenezer Place, the planet's briefest thoroughfare. Stretching merely 6ft and nine inches long (2.06m) - the road is so minuscule it accommodates just one address, Mackay's Hotel's No. 1 Bistro. The restaurant, beautifully situated by the Wick River, offers dishes made from local produce, as well as afternoon tea, cocktail masterclasses, and naturally, whisky. In 2006, the street - which is maintained by Highland Council as road authority - clinched a Guinness World Record, officially naming it the shortest street in the world. "When Alexander Sinclair returned from America in 1883, after making his fortune, he built Mackays Hotel on the corner of Union Street and River Street," states the Mackay's Hotel website. "The council instructed him to put a name on the short end of the building, as they deemed it a separate street. Ebenezer Place then appeared in the town's records from 1887." An online statement from Wick's owners, the Highlands and Islands Airport Limited, read: "HIAL was made aware via press coverage that Eastern Airways has filed for administration. We will work closely with The Highland Council who manage the Public Service Obligation (PSO) route from Wick which was operated by Eastern Airways. Wick John O'Groats Airport will continue to operate as normal, and passengers should contact the airline for information in relation to booked flights." Eastern Airways customers are being urged to make their own alternative travel arrangements via other airlines, rail or coach operators. On Monday morning Eastern Airways (UK) Ltd filed a notice of intention to appoint an administrator at the Insolvency and Companies Court, which is within the High Court. Selina Chadha, consumer and markets director at the UK Civil Aviation Authority, said: "We urge passengers planning to fly with this airline not to go to the airport as all Eastern Airways flights are cancelled. Eastern Airways customers should visit the Civil Aviation Authority's website for the latest information."