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We're investigating the purchase of Plockton airstrip

Highland Council acquired the airstrip in the 1980’s and are now considering a long-term lease or a sale of this asset. 

We submitted an Asset Transfer Request expression of interest to the Council in 2023, on behalf of the community.

There is now private interest in the airstrip so we need to decide if we wish to pursue a community buyout or not.  A community meeting on 11 August 2025 confirmed strong backing to explore the viability of community ownership.

"We were delighted with the good turnout and the open discussion that followed. The unanimous vote in favour gives us a mandate to take steps to progress our interest in a community bid. We're just at the starting line and who knows where this will take us.

There was no appetite to do nothing - people felt this would be a missed opportunity and something we might regret in years to come."
Mary Jane Campbell
PDCT Chair

Airstrip Working Group

Following the August 2025 community meeting we established an Airstrip Working Group to undertake activities to better understand the potential of community ownership.

This group comprises trustees and members of the Trust.  Minutes and updates will be posted on this page to keep members and the wider community informed.

If you have ideas or wish to get involved please email us at info@plockton.com 

Minutes

2 March 2026 – Working Group Meeting

3 December 2025 – Working Group Meeting

4 November 2025 – Working Group Meeting

11 August 2025 – Community Meeting

What would the community do with the airstrip?

The airstrip is an important asset for the community.  It is currently used by PDG Helicopters, the emergency services, including the coastguard, the Ministry of Defence and private pilots.

In addition to the runway there are a couple of laydown areas and an extensive area of land round the runway that is currently managed as a species rich meadow.  

We will need to consider the opportunities, risks and liability of ownership as well as the leases currently in place.  The National Trust for Scotland retains an interest in the asset which could limit future development options.

We are developing a fact file and once we are better informed as to options for future use, together with the responsibilities of ownership, we’ll be in a better position to determine how best the airstrip can serve the interests of the community.

We have had positive conversations with the Council and the NTS and will continue to liaise with them, and the community council, as we develop our thinking.

NEXT STEPS

We will seek funding to undertake a feasibility study.  This will involve community consultation and an options appraisal.  We will keep the community informed and will report back at a future meeting.  There is no obligation to follow this through if a strong case for community ownership and benefit cannot be made.

What do we know about the airstrip?

  • It was built by the Royal Engineers in the 1960’s on land that was resumed from crofting tenure.  It opened in 1966.
  •  It is an unmanned airfield used by PDG Helicopters, the emergency services, the coastguard, the MoD and private light aircraft, helicopters and microlights
  • In 1980, it was sold by the National Trust for Scotland to the Council for £400.
  • The NTS retains an interest in the asset via two title conditions:
    • a right of pre-emption, meaning the NTS has first refusal to buy back if they can match the offer price
    • a burden restricting its use to that of an airfield
  • Most of the airfield is leased to PDG Helicopters – they own the hangar structure
  • Another area is leased and has been developed as a general purpose yard
  • The Council receives rental income of approx £1,700/yr
  • The tenant pays the business rates of approx £6,000/yr