Thousands of new jobs would be created across Scotland should a third runway be built at London Heathrow, according to the Scottish Government.

The Airport signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Scottish Government earlier today, 10 October.

It is predicted the expansion would offer "strategic and economic benefits to Scotland", including creating up to 16,000 new jobs across the country.

As part of the MoU, Heathrow will investigate Glasgow Prestwick Airport as a potential site for a logistics hub to support the building of the third runway. In addition, Scotland would benefit up to £200 million of construction-related spend during the planning and construction phases.

Other commitments include:

• From January 2017, a reduction of £10 per passenger on landing charges paid by airlines operating services from Heathrow to Scotland


• A significant, long term marketing campaign at Heathrow to promote all that Scotland has to offer

• A procurement event in Glasgow to enhance opportunities for Scottish firms to win business with Tier 1 Heathrow suppliers

Economy Secretary Keith Brown called on the UK Government to "end its costly prevarication on airport expansion" and support plans to expand Heathrow.

"We have been clear from the start of this process that we wanted the best deal for Scotland and building a third runway at Heathrow provides the most significant benefits to the country's economy and connectivity," he said.

"We have engaged extensively with both airports during this process and considered all options very carefully. Gatwick's proposals are also to be commended.

"The potential for a logistics hub to be based at Glasgow Prestwick Airport is also an important part of the Heathrow offer. It would support the pre-fabrication of components for the construction phase, with potential for future work beyond the launch of the third runway, bringing strong economic benefits to the airport and the wider Ayrshire economy.

"It's now time for the UK Government to end its costly prevarication on airport expansion and support Heathrow's plans to ensure Scotland, and the United Kingdom as a whole, can begin to reap the rewards on offer."

(LM)