National newspapers arrive on time again as deal is agreed with airline

National daily newspapers have arrived punctually for the first time since “paper plane” operator Highland Airways went into administration last week, with Loganair stepping into the breach.

It follows lengthy talks between the airline and CNC – a consortium which works closely with Menzies Distribution, the organisation responsible for newspaper distribution.

Further talks are being held to find a more permanent solution, but it is believed the deal could be extended, allowing Loganair to become Shetland’s dedicated newspaper carrier.

The flow of daily tabloids and broadsheets was brought to a sudden halt last week when Inverness-based Highland Airways announced it was entering administration.

The papers came up on the NorthLink ferries over the weekend as part of a short-term measure to fill the news-stands, albeit a day late. The only paper to arrive on time was The Press and Journal, which is flown up by a different carrier.

Highland Airways employed 100 people and boasted a fleet of nine aircraft but since being placed in administration its flights have been grounded and are not expected to resume in the near future.