The figures show thousands of private flights over recent years, with Wick used as a frequent stop on international routes and as part of wider private aviation networks across the Highlands and beyond. It is a striking picture of how routinely this most polluting form of travel is being used in and through one of Scotland’s most remote communities.
Private jets can produce up to 30 times more pollution per passenger than commercial flights. Many fly routes where commercial flights or rail are perfectly viable alternatives, while others take off half-empty – or even completely empty – simply to collect passengers. The white trails choking Caithness skies are a visible reminder of a much bigger problem.
As Europe experiences deadly extreme heat, the climate crisis is no longer a distant threat. It is here, now, and it’s being made worse by the super-rich who make some of the most polluting, unnecessary choices imaginable, while we all pay the price.
Following campaigning from Oxfam Scotland and others, the Scottish Government has already committed to introducing a private jet tax. It should now bring that tax forward by a year to 2027, set it punishingly high, and make sure there are no loopholes for wealthy passengers to escape paying.
If the tax encourages fewer private jet journeys, Scotland cuts pollution. If people continue to fly, it could raise around £30 million every year which could be invested in climate action that benefits us all, from better public transport to helping communities cope with the impacts of our changing climate.
A strong private jet tax is common sense: less pollution and more investment in a greener, fairer, more resilient and prosperous Scotland for generations to come.
