'Flying home to Scotland via Edinburgh Airport is a deeply depressing experience' - Henry McLeish
Former First Minister Henry McLeish writes: ‘“Where Scotland meets the world” is a good slogan, but what about “When the World meets Scotland”’
As someone with a deep dense of National (Scottish) pride, returning home to Scotland via Edinburgh Airport, or for those arriving for the first time, you are met with a deeply depressing and embarrassing experience.
The staff are good, but the conditions in which they work are not.
My concerns focus entirely on passport control, security clearance and baggage reclaim occupying cold, dismal and old buildings, oozing neglect. And of course, this embraces the walk from plane to customs declaration.
Finding anyone to seek guidance from or deal with complaints is nearly impossible and management is never to be found on site.
Exiting your flight, you travel through a set of buildings from another age.
For far too long those parts of the airport have been neglected, although it is worth noting that the duty free “sparkles”, but little sign of investment elsewhere: perhaps there is no financial gain from Scots returning or those visiting for the first time
So, far too little investment and too late. And a genuine insult to a nation seeking a larger global reach and status on the world stage.
“Where Scotland meets the world” is a good slogan, but what about “When the World meets Scotland” this is where focus, enterprise and energy is required.
We are not creating a good impression.
Pride in country and offering the best to the world should be the key consideration in our international transport infrastructure.
Especially in relation to the impact on arrivals, where delivering a comfortable welcome does matter: good first impressions are vital.
Who is responsible for this neglect?
Vinci Airports?
Vinci Concessions – Sub of the Vinci Group?
Global Infrastructure Partners or GIP?
Edinburgh Airport Limited?
What’s been your experience of Edinburgh Airport? Tell us what you think here
Scotland deserves much better, and more investment now.
I have visited many airports in Europe and the USA but have never experienced the poor arrival facilities on offer in Edinburgh Airport.
Former Politician and academic Henry McLeish served as First Minister of Scotland from 2000 to 2001.
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