← Back to opportunities

North Scotland/Wick John O’Groats Airport PSO Scheduled Flight Services

The Highland Council

Buyer Contact Info

Buyer Name: The Highland Council

Buyer Address: Glenurquhart Road, Inverness, UKM6, IV3 5NX

Contact Name: Contracts Team

Contact Email: contracts.team@highland.gov.uk

Contact Telephone: +44 1467530600

Status
active
Procedure
open
Value
n/a
Published
16 Dec 2025, 00:00
Deadline
16 Feb 2026, 12:00
Contract Start
n/a
Contract End
n/a
Category
services
CPV
60400000
Region
n/a
Awarded To
n/a
Official Source
Open Public Contracts Scotland

Description

THC is in discussions with Transport Scotland regarding subsidy provision for this service to help encourage airlines to offer their services and work in collaboration with THC to achieve these benefits. THC consider that continuing air services between Wick John O’Groats Airport (WIC) and Aberdeen (ABZ) and expanding these to include Edinburgh (EDI) shall enhance the visibility of the area and help stimulate the economy to ensure that the north of Scotland remains accessible and desirable for travellers, business people and the local community alike. THC consider that an expanded air service will be an exciting and prosperous venture. THC are therefore looking for equally enthusiastic air service operator(s) to work with the Council in making these positive outcomes a reality and are welcoming tenders on this basis.

Linked Documents

Some PCS documents require login and recording interest on the source portal before download links are available.

No linked documents found for this notice.

Opportunity Context

More Information Links

External Link: https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/search/show/search_view.aspx?ID=DEC545709

Link Title: North Scotland/Wick John O’Groats Airport PSO Scheduled Flight Services

Link Description: THC is in discussions with Transport Scotland regarding subsidy provision for this service to help encourage airlines to offer their services and work in collaboration with THC to achieve these benefits. THC consider that continuing air services between Wick John O’Groats Airport (WIC) and Aberdeen (ABZ) and expanding these to include Edinburgh (EDI) shall enhance the visibility of the area and help stimulate the economy to ensure that the north of Scotland remains accessible and desirable for travellers, business people and the local community alike. THC consider that an expanded air service will be an exciting and prosperous venture. THC are therefore looking for equally enthusiastic air service operator(s) to work with the Council in making these positive outcomes a reality and are welcoming tenders on this basis.

Lots

Lot Description: A scheduled air passenger service between Wick John O’Groats Airport and both Aberdeen and Edinburgh Airports. Tenderers shall be able to price a range of comprehensive timetabling and frequency options, so that the services can be flexed according to demonstrable demand, without the need to re-tender. The Highland Council intend to work closely with the air operator throughout the life of the Contract to ensure successful delivery. To that end, there shall be clear communication channels established and regular contract management meetings to help reinforce the collaborated approach.

Lot 1 Status: active

Lot 1 Has Options: No

Documents

Document Title: North Scotland/Wick John O’Groats Airport PSO Scheduled Flight Services

Document Description: THC is in discussions with Transport Scotland regarding subsidy provision for this service to help encourage airlines to offer their services and work in collaboration with THC to achieve these benefits. THC consider that continuing air services between Wick John O’Groats Airport (WIC) and Aberdeen (ABZ) and expanding these to include Edinburgh (EDI) shall enhance the visibility of the area and help stimulate the economy to ensure that the north of Scotland remains accessible and desirable for travellers, business people and the local community alike. THC consider that an expanded air service will be an exciting and prosperous venture. THC are therefore looking for equally enthusiastic air service operator(s) to work with the Council in making these positive outcomes a reality and are welcoming tenders on this basis.

Document Title: Invitation to Tender

Document Title: Conditions of Contract

Document Title: Historical Survey and Flights

Document Title: Facilities at Wick John O'Groats Airport

Document Title: Statement of Requirements

Document Title: Certificate of Bona Fide Tendering

Document Title: Form of Tender

Document Title: Non Disclosure Items

Document Title: Variant Form of Tender

Document Title: Technical Questionnaire

Document Title: Variant Technical Questionnaire

Document Title: Forecast of Income and Expense and Max Sub Claim

Document Title: Forecasts Explanation & Commentary Overview

Document Title: Wick Airport Map

Document Title: Wick Terminal Building Plan

Document Title: Community Benefits Guidance

Document Title: Statement of Requirements & Options Revision 3

Document Title: Revision on SPD doc within ITT to including missing narrative

Document Title: Minor Changes to Timetable P3 Statement of requirements

Document Title: Narrative Section 4.2 to include variant tender options

Raw Notice JSON

Expand raw payload
{
  "buyer": {
    "id": "org-12",
    "name": "The Highland Council"
  },
  "date": "2025-12-16T00:00:00Z",
  "description": "Provided tenderers have not materially altered the scope and requirements of the requirement and they have provided a compliant proposal, tenderers may also submit a variant Tender. A variant tender shall consist of a variant Technical Questionnaire, variant Forecast of Income and Expense and Subsidy Claims Form, a variant Forecast Explanation \u0026 Commentary and a variant Form of Tender.\r\n NOTE: To register your interest in this notice and obtain any additional information please visit the Public Contracts Scotland Web Site at http://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/Search/Search_Switch.aspx?ID=818605.\r\n The buyer has indicated that it will accept electronic responses to this notice via the Postbox facility. A user guide is available at http://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/sitehelp/help_guides.aspx.\r\n Suppliers are advised to allow adequate time for uploading documents and to dispatch the electronic response well in advance of the closing time to avoid any last minute problems.\r\n Community benefits are included in this requirement. For more information see: https://www.gov.scot/policies/public-sector-procurement/community-benefits-in-procurement/\r\n A summary of the expected community benefits has been provided as follows:\r\n Community Benefit requirements are contained within the documentation available in the attachments area of PCS-T\r\n (SC Ref:818605)\r\n Download the copy of the online SPD document here (to be completed online through postbox submission): https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/ESPD/ESPD_Download.aspx?id=818605",
  "id": "rls-32-DEC545709",
  "initiationType": "tender",
  "language": "EN",
  "links": [
    {
      "href": "https://api.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/v1/Notice?id=ocds-r6ebe6-0000818605",
      "rel": "canonical"
    }
  ],
  "ocid": "ocds-r6ebe6-0000818605",
  "parties": [
    {
      "address": {
        "locality": "Inverness",
        "postalCode": "IV3 5NX",
        "region": "UKM6",
        "streetAddress": "Glenurquhart Road"
      },
      "contactPoint": {
        "email": "contracts.team@highland.gov.uk",
        "name": "Contracts Team",
        "telephone": "+44 1467530600",
        "url": "https://download.4projects.com?LinkID=0bdbbe3d-0da4-47df-ac11-397434846258"
      },
      "details": {
        "classifications": [
          {
            "id": "Regional or local authority",
            "scheme": "TED_CA_TYPE"
          },
          {
            "description": "General public services",
            "id": "01",
            "scheme": "COFOG"
          }
        ],
        "url": "http://www.highland.gov.uk"
      },
      "id": "org-12",
      "identifier": {
        "legalName": "The Highland Council"
      },
      "name": "The Highland Council",
      "roles": [
        "buyer",
        "centralPurchasingBody"
      ]
    },
    {
      "address": {
        "locality": "To be Agreed"
      },
      "contactPoint": {
        "url": "http://"
      },
      "id": "org-54",
      "identifier": {
        "legalName": "To be Agreed"
      },
      "name": "To be Agreed",
      "roles": [
        "reviewBody"
      ]
    }
  ],
  "tag": [
    "tender"
  ],
  "tender": {
    "awardPeriod": {
      "startDate": "2026-02-16T12:00:00Z"
    },
    "bidOpening": {
      "date": "2026-02-16T12:00:00Z"
    },
    "classification": {
      "id": "60400000",
      "scheme": "CPV"
    },
    "coveredBy": [
      "GPA"
    ],
    "description": "THC is in discussions with Transport Scotland regarding subsidy provision for this service to help encourage airlines to offer their services and work in collaboration with THC to achieve these benefits.\r\n THC consider that continuing air services between Wick John O\u00e2\u0080\u0099Groats Airport (WIC) and Aberdeen (ABZ) and expanding these to include Edinburgh (EDI) shall enhance the visibility of the area and help stimulate the economy to ensure that the north of Scotland remains accessible and desirable for travellers, business people and the local community alike.\r\n THC consider that an expanded air service will be an exciting and prosperous venture. THC are therefore looking for equally enthusiastic air service operator(s) to work with the Council in making these positive outcomes a reality and are welcoming tenders on this basis.",
    "documents": [
      {
        "description": "THC is in discussions with Transport Scotland regarding subsidy provision for this service to help encourage airlines to offer their services and work in collaboration with THC to achieve these benefits.\r\n THC consider that continuing air services between Wick John O\u00e2\u0080\u0099Groats Airport (WIC) and Aberdeen (ABZ) and expanding these to include Edinburgh (EDI) shall enhance the visibility of the area and help stimulate the economy to ensure that the north of Scotland remains accessible and desirable for travellers, business people and the local community alike.\r\n THC consider that an expanded air service will be an exciting and prosperous venture. THC are therefore looking for equally enthusiastic air service operator(s) to work with the Council in making these positive outcomes a reality and are welcoming tenders on this basis.",
        "documentType": "contractNotice",
        "format": "text/html",
        "id": "DEC545709",
        "title": "North Scotland/Wick John O\u00e2\u0080\u0099Groats Airport PSO Scheduled Flight Services",
        "url": "https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/search/show/search_view.aspx?ID=DEC545709"
      },
      {
        "documentType": "economicSelectionCriteria",
        "id": "economic"
      },
      {
        "documentType": "technicalSelectionCriteria",
        "id": "technical"
      },
      {
        "dateModified": "2025-12-16T10:05:07Z",
        "datePublished": "2025-12-16T10:05:07Z",
        "format": "application/vnd.openxmlformats-officedocument.wordprocessingml.document",
        "id": "DEC545709-1",
        "title": "Invitation to Tender",
        "url": "https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/NoticeDownload/DownloadDocument.aspx?id=DEC545709\u0026idx=1"
      },
      {
        "dateModified": "2025-12-16T10:05:07Z",
        "datePublished": "2025-12-16T10:05:07Z",
        "format": "application/vnd.openxmlformats-officedocument.wordprocessingml.document",
        "id": "DEC545709-2",
        "title": "Conditions of Contract",
        "url": "https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/NoticeDownload/DownloadDocument.aspx?id=DEC545709\u0026idx=2"
      },
      {
        "dateModified": "2025-12-16T10:05:08Z",
        "datePublished": "2025-12-16T10:05:08Z",
        "format": "application/vnd.openxmlformats-officedocument.wordprocessingml.document",
        "id": "DEC545709-3",
        "title": "Historical Survey and Flights",
        "url": "https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/NoticeDownload/DownloadDocument.aspx?id=DEC545709\u0026idx=3"
      },
      {
        "dateModified": "2025-12-16T10:05:09Z",
        "datePublished": "2025-12-16T10:05:09Z",
        "format": "application/pdf",
        "id": "DEC545709-4",
        "title": "Facilities at Wick John O\u0027Groats Airport",
        "url": "https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/NoticeDownload/DownloadDocument.aspx?id=DEC545709\u0026idx=4"
      },
      {
        "dateModified": "2025-12-16T10:05:09Z",
        "datePublished": "2025-12-16T10:05:09Z",
        "format": "application/vnd.openxmlformats-officedocument.wordprocessingml.document",
        "id": "DEC545709-5",
        "title": "Statement of Requirements",
        "url": "https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/NoticeDownload/DownloadDocument.aspx?id=DEC545709\u0026idx=5"
      },
      {
        "dateModified": "2025-12-16T10:05:10Z",
        "datePublished": "2025-12-16T10:05:10Z",
        "format": "application/vnd.openxmlformats-officedocument.wordprocessingml.document",
        "id": "DEC545709-6",
        "title": "Certificate of Bona Fide Tendering",
        "url": "https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/NoticeDownload/DownloadDocument.aspx?id=DEC545709\u0026idx=6"
      },
      {
        "dateModified": "2025-12-16T10:05:11Z",
        "datePublished": "2025-12-16T10:05:11Z",
        "format": "application/vnd.openxmlformats-officedocument.wordprocessingml.document",
        "id": "DEC545709-7",
        "title": "Form of Tender",
        "url": "https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/NoticeDownload/DownloadDocument.aspx?id=DEC545709\u0026idx=7"
      },
      {
        "dateModified": "2025-12-16T10:05:12Z",
        "datePublished": "2025-12-16T10:05:12Z",
        "format": "application/vnd.openxmlformats-officedocument.wordprocessingml.document",
        "id": "DEC545709-8",
        "title": "Non Disclosure Items",
        "url": "https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/NoticeDownload/DownloadDocument.aspx?id=DEC545709\u0026idx=8"
      },
      {
        "dateModified": "2025-12-16T10:05:12Z",
        "datePublished": "2025-12-16T10:05:12Z",
        "format": "application/vnd.openxmlformats-officedocument.wordprocessingml.document",
        "id": "DEC545709-9",
        "title": "Variant Form of Tender",
        "url": "https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/NoticeDownload/DownloadDocument.aspx?id=DEC545709\u0026idx=9"
      },
      {
        "dateModified": "2025-12-16T10:05:13Z",
        "datePublished": "2025-12-16T10:05:13Z",
        "format": "application/vnd.openxmlformats-officedocument.wordprocessingml.document",
        "id": "DEC545709-10",
        "title": "Technical Questionnaire",
        "url": "https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/NoticeDownload/DownloadDocument.aspx?id=DEC545709\u0026idx=10"
      },
      {
        "dateModified": "2025-12-16T10:05:13Z",
        "datePublished": "2025-12-16T10:05:13Z",
        "format": "application/vnd.openxmlformats-officedocument.wordprocessingml.document",
        "id": "DEC545709-11",
        "title": "Variant Technical Questionnaire",
        "url": "https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/NoticeDownload/DownloadDocument.aspx?id=DEC545709\u0026idx=11"
      },
      {
        "dateModified": "2025-12-16T10:05:13Z",
        "datePublished": "2025-12-16T10:05:13Z",
        "format": "application/vnd.openxmlformats-officedocument.spreadsheetml.sheet",
        "id": "DEC545709-12",
        "title": "Forecast of Income and Expense and Max Sub Claim",
        "url": "https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/NoticeDownload/DownloadDocument.aspx?id=DEC545709\u0026idx=12"
      },
      {
        "dateModified": "2025-12-16T10:05:14Z",
        "datePublished": "2025-12-16T10:05:14Z",
        "format": "application/vnd.openxmlformats-officedocument.wordprocessingml.document",
        "id": "DEC545709-13",
        "title": "Forecasts Explanation \u0026 Commentary Overview",
        "url": "https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/NoticeDownload/DownloadDocument.aspx?id=DEC545709\u0026idx=13"
      },
      {
        "dateModified": "2025-12-16T10:05:14Z",
        "datePublished": "2025-12-16T10:05:14Z",
        "format": "application/pdf",
        "id": "DEC545709-14",
        "title": "Wick Airport Map",
        "url": "https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/NoticeDownload/DownloadDocument.aspx?id=DEC545709\u0026idx=14"
      },
      {
        "dateModified": "2025-12-16T10:05:15Z",
        "datePublished": "2025-12-16T10:05:15Z",
        "format": "application/pdf",
        "id": "DEC545709-15",
        "title": "Wick Terminal Building Plan",
        "url": "https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/NoticeDownload/DownloadDocument.aspx?id=DEC545709\u0026idx=15"
      },
      {
        "dateModified": "2025-12-16T10:05:16Z",
        "datePublished": "2025-12-16T10:05:16Z",
        "format": "application/vnd.openxmlformats-officedocument.wordprocessingml.document",
        "id": "DEC545709-16",
        "title": "Community Benefits Guidance",
        "url": "https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/NoticeDownload/DownloadDocument.aspx?id=DEC545709\u0026idx=16"
      },
      {
        "dateModified": "2025-12-18T09:55:25Z",
        "datePublished": "2025-12-18T09:55:25Z",
        "format": "application/vnd.openxmlformats-officedocument.wordprocessingml.document",
        "id": "DEC545709-17",
        "title": "Statement of Requirements \u0026 Options Revision 3 ",
        "url": "https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/NoticeDownload/DownloadDocument.aspx?id=DEC545709\u0026idx=17"
      },
      {
        "dateModified": "2026-01-13T17:12:33Z",
        "datePublished": "2026-01-13T17:12:33Z",
        "format": "application/vnd.openxmlformats-officedocument.wordprocessingml.document",
        "id": "DEC545709-18",
        "title": "Revision on SPD doc within ITT to including missing narrative ",
        "url": "https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/NoticeDownload/DownloadDocument.aspx?id=DEC545709\u0026idx=18"
      },
      {
        "dateModified": "2026-01-20T13:10:20Z",
        "datePublished": "2026-01-20T13:10:20Z",
        "format": "application/vnd.openxmlformats-officedocument.wordprocessingml.document",
        "id": "DEC545709-19",
        "title": "Minor Changes to Timetable P3 Statement of requirements",
        "url": "https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/NoticeDownload/DownloadDocument.aspx?id=DEC545709\u0026idx=19"
      },
      {
        "dateModified": "2026-01-20T16:04:17Z",
        "datePublished": "2026-01-20T16:04:17Z",
        "format": "application/vnd.openxmlformats-officedocument.wordprocessingml.document",
        "id": "DEC545709-20",
        "title": "Narrative Section 4.2 to include variant tender options",
        "url": "https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/NoticeDownload/DownloadDocument.aspx?id=DEC545709\u0026idx=20"
      }
    ],
    "hasRecurrence": true,
    "id": "THC/TAMBS/WJOG/2026",
    "items": [
      {
        "additionalClassifications": [
          {
            "id": "60400000",
            "scheme": "CPV"
          }
        ],
        "deliveryAddresses": [
          {
            "region": "UKM6"
          },
          {
            "region": "UKM50"
          },
          {
            "region": "UKM75"
          }
        ],
        "deliveryLocation": {
          "description": "Wick Airport\r\n Aberdeen Airport\r\n Edinburgh Airport"
        },
        "id": "1",
        "relatedLot": "1"
      }
    ],
    "legalBasis": {
      "id": "32014L0024",
      "scheme": "CELEX"
    },
    "lots": [
      {
        "contractPeriod": {
          "durationInDays": 720
        },
        "description": "A scheduled air passenger service between Wick John O\u00e2\u0080\u0099Groats Airport and both Aberdeen and Edinburgh Airports.\r\n Tenderers shall be able to price a range of comprehensive timetabling and frequency options, so that the services can be flexed according to demonstrable demand, without the need to re-tender.\r\n The Highland Council intend to work closely with the air operator throughout the life of the Contract to ensure successful delivery. To that end, there shall be clear communication channels established and regular contract management meetings to help reinforce the collaborated approach.",
        "hasOptions": false,
        "hasRenewal": true,
        "id": "1",
        "renewal": {
          "description": "An extension for a period of up to 24 Months is possible."
        },
        "status": "active",
        "submissionTerms": {
          "variantPolicy": "allowed"
        }
      }
    ],
    "mainProcurementCategory": "services",
    "participationFees": [
      {
        "id": "1",
        "type": [
          "document"
        ]
      }
    ],
    "procurementMethod": "open",
    "procurementMethodDetails": "Open procedure",
    "recurrence": {
      "description": "December 2029"
    },
    "selectionCriteria": {
      "criteria": [
        {
          "description": "Qualifications and Accreditations:\r\n Tenderers are required to provide evidence of appropriate licences and accreditations to operate the scheduled service routes and proposed aircraft(s).\r\n Environmental Requirements:\r\n Tenderers are required to provide their environmental policy which shall be in line with Government Guidance, objectives and targets.",
          "type": "suitability"
        }
      ]
    },
    "status": "active",
    "submissionMethod": [
      "electronicSubmission"
    ],
    "submissionMethodDetails": "http://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk",
    "submissionTerms": {
      "bidValidityPeriod": {
        "durationInDays": 90
      },
      "languages": [
        "en"
      ]
    },
    "tenderPeriod": {
      "endDate": "2026-02-16T12:00:00Z"
    },
    "title": "North Scotland/Wick John O\u00e2\u0080\u0099Groats Airport PSO Scheduled Flight Services"
  }
}