Clutha owner slams police over renewal of helicopter contract

Alan Crossan thinks Police Scotland were wrong for renewing the contract with Bond Air Services Picture: Robert Perry

Alan Crossan believes that Police Scotland had no right renewing the contract with Bond Air Services - the firm which owned the helicopter which crashed into the pub in Glasgow killing 10 people - while the victims were still waiting on compensation claims being settled.

Police Scotland have finalised a new seven year deal worth £17.9 million, which includes a cockpit voice and flight data recorder, in line with recommendations following the tragedy.

However, Mr Crossan spoke out after the announcement, saying: “You would have thought that rather than renewing the contract they should finalise everything and then move on.

Alan Crossan owner of the Clutha Bar, Glasgow outside the pub by the Broomielaw.

Picture: Robert Perry — Alan Crossan owner of the Clutha Bar, Glasgow outside the pub by the Broomielaw. Picture: Robert Perry

“To renew the contract when there are still people waiting to be compensated seems a bit wrong.

“The police should have waited until everyone has been compensated and the FAI has been held.”

The new aircraft will have a black box recorded, as well as further safety features including a recording system to video flight systems and instruments within the cockpit, a terrain awareness and warning system, and an emergency locator transmitter, unlike the helicopter that crashed into the pub on November 19, 2013.

The contract was awarded to the firm following a competitive tendering process.

Assistant chief constable Bernard Higgins said: “As the current helicopter contract comes to an end in September 2016, Police Scotland and the Scottish Police Authority needed to go through a procurement process.

“Whilst there was interest from other companies, Bond Air Services was the sole tender.”