Bid for Prestwick Airport under consideration, Swinney confirms

A bidder is in talks to purchase Prestwick Airport, John Swinney has confirmed.

The publicly-owned airport was sold to the Scottish Government for £1 in 2013 with the intention that it be returned to the private sector after it began to turn a profit – which it has done in recent years.

Appearing at the twice-annual Conveners Group at Holyrood on Wednesday, the First Minister announced there is at least one bid under consideration for the airport.

Asked by Economy and Fair Work Committee convener Colin Smyth if he is aware of an active offer, the First Minister said: “I am.

“That’s a matter that’s currently under very active consideration.

“I cannot quite recall exactly the stage those discussions are at, but if there is more information I can share with the group, I will write to the Presiding Officer and Mr Smyth on that.

“But these are very active and live issues at the present moment.”

Asked if the Government still intends to return the airport to private hands, the First Minister said: “That’s the Government’s policy intention.”

Both the Scottish Government and airport officials have previously been tight-lipped about any expressions of interest or offers that have been made for the hub, with Neil Gray – then serving as wellbeing economy secretary – citing “commercial sensitivities” for not giving more details to Parliament around an interested party last year.