Prior information notice
This notice is for prior information only
Section I: Contracting
authority
I.1) Name and addresses
Argyll and Bute Council
Kilmory
Lochgilphead
PA31 8RT
UK
Contact person: Annabel Travers
Telephone: +44 1586555232
E-mail: Annabel.Travers@argyll-bute.gov.uk
NUTS: UKM63
Internet address(es)
Main address: http://www.obanandtheislesairports.com/
Address of the buyer profile: https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/search/Search_AuthProfile.aspx?ID=AA00063
I.3) Communication
Additional information can be obtained from the abovementioned address
Electronic communication requires the use of tools and devices that are not generally available. Unrestricted and full direct access to these tools and devices is possible, free of charge, at:
www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk
I.4) Type of the contracting authority
Regional or local agency/office
I.5) Main activity
General public services
Section II: Object
II.1) Scope of the procurement
II.1.1) Title
Provision of Air Services
II.1.2) Main CPV code
60410000
II.1.3) Type of contract
Services
II.1.4) Short description
Argyll and Bute Council intends to procure a four-year contract for the provision of scheduled passenger air services between Oban, Coll, Colonsay and Tiree. The contract is expected to commence on 16 September 2027 and will be supported by a fixed annual subsidy. The successful operator will be responsible for the design, operation and marketing of the service and associated reporting requirements.
II.1.5) Estimated total value
Value excluding VAT:
2 048 828.00
GBP
II.1.6) Information about lots
This contract is divided into lots:
No
II.2) Description
II.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)
60410000
II.2.3) Place of performance
NUTS code:
UKM63
Main site or place of performance:
Argyll and Bute area: Between Oban, Coll, Colonsay and Tiree.
II.2.4) Description of the procurement
Argyll and Bute Council is providing advance notice of its intention to procure a contract for the operation of scheduled passenger air services between Oban and the islands of Coll, Colonsay and Tiree. The contract is expected to commence on 16 September 2027 and continue for a period of four years.
The service is supported through a fixed annual subsidy and forms an essential transport link for island communities, providing access to healthcare, education, employment, business, public services and tourism opportunities.
The Council intends to adopt an output-based approach and encourages operators to develop innovative proposals. Tenderers will be free to determine, within the available subsidy, their proposed aircraft type, service timetable, seasonal variations, fare structure, marketing strategy and route development initiatives.
The successful operator will be responsible for the design, operation, promotion and management of the air services, including scholar travel provision, passenger booking arrangements, performance monitoring and reporting. The Council will provide support including a fixed subsidy, waiver of PSO landing and passenger fees at Council-operated airports, office accommodation at Oban Airport and access to airport facilities required for operation of the services.
The Council anticipates publishing a contract notice and tender documentation at a later date and is issuing this Prior Information Notice to raise market awareness and encourage engagement from suitably qualified air service operators.
II.3) Estimated date of publication of contract notice:
30/11/2026
Section IV: Procedure
IV.1) Description
IV.1.8) Information about Government Procurement Agreement (GPA)
The procurement is covered by the Government Procurement Agreement:
Yes
Section VI: Complementary information
VI.3) Additional information
This Prior Information Notice (PIN) is issued for information and market awareness purposes.
Tenderers maybe required to detail:
- How they will operate the service
- What aircraft they will use
- What timetable they will provide
- What fares they will charge
- How much subsidy they require
- How they will market and grow the service
- How they will maintain resilience and reliability
- How they will report performance to the Council
- How scholar travel requirements will be met
The Contract has fixed subsidy of around GBP512,207 per annum, equating to an estimated total subsidy of GBP2,048,828 over the four-year Contract Period. The successful Operator shall deliver the Services within the available subsidy.
NOTE: To register your interest in this notice and obtain any additional information please visit the Public Contracts Scotland Web Site at https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/Search/Search_Switch.aspx?ID=841479.
(SC Ref:841479)
VI.5) Date of dispatch of this notice
02/09/2026