'Kiss and fly' charge - 'Welcome . . . give us a quid or get lost'

Published on Wednesday 14 July 2010 10:38

THERE has been a furious reaction ever since the News revealed that Edinburgh Airport bosses want to introduce a so-called "kiss and fly" tax.

A petition against the 1 charge has been started, businesses have lined up against it, and there is even talk of unhappiness among Scottish Government ministers.

But the protests have not been universal. Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce has backed the plan, as has Ryanair - though, of course, airlines have an interest in revenue being gathered direct from travellers rather in higher landing fees.

And hard cash is the nub of the matter. With plans for 42 million of improvements at the airport this year, BAA is clear that it needs to raise more money there.

The question, then, is whether or not the 1 tax is a fair price for being dropped off or picked up at the airport.

Then there are managing director Gordon Dewar's arguments that the charge will also cut congestion by encouraging passengers to use public transport.

With a perfectly good bus service from the city centre already and a tram line on its way - eventually - Mr Dewar's case has some basis. Plus, what is another 1 when we spend so much on our trips.

The problem is that the charge feels like an unavoidable toll. It is also unfriendly: "Welcome to Edinburgh Airport . . . now give us a quid or you can get lost."

That is why Mr Dewar has a tough job on his hands to win this debate - and why it says much for him that he has taken on the fight even though he is due to leave the job in a fortnight.

The clamour is such that we suspect the charge will eventually be dropped. But then his successor will have to find other ways to pay for the airport's welcome improvements.

The Wright stuff

Congratulations to Bob and Jem Wright, whose tireless work supporting the wounded veterans of Afghanistan and other conflicts has won well- deserved recognition at the Royal British Legion's first Friends of the Forces Awards.

Their son, paratrooper Corporal Mark Wright, was posthumously awarded the George Cross for his heroism in saving comrades from an Afghan minefield, in an act that cost his own life.

Cpl Wright would no doubt have been extremely proud of what his parents have achieved in his name, since setting up the Mark Wright Project Centre in Dalkeith to help heal the mental and physical wounds of war.