Three new routes connecting Scotland and the south east of England have been announced by the airline Loganair.

The services will connect Glasgow, Aberdeen and Stornoway on the Isle of Lewis to London Southend Airport in Essex from May onwards.

Operators said the Western Isles route is the first direct service from a Scottish island airport to the UK capital.

Loganair said the plan, will “significantly” increase Scotland’s overall connectivity with London.

Aberdeen and Glasgow will have three non-stop flights each way every weekday, together with a selection of weekend services.

Flights connecting Stornoway and the south east will run on every day of the week except Saturday.

Aberdeen flights will start on May 12 and the Glasgow and Stornoway services are scheduled to begin on May 28.

Loganair said the announcement comes after it reached an agreement with Stobart Group, the owners and operators of the London airport.

Loganair’s managing director Jonathan Hinkles said: “We’re incredibly excited to be offering the first new routes between London and Scotland in many years, linking three Scottish airports to London Southend.

“These new fast and frequent flights to London’s favourite airport, together with our inclusive checked baggage allowance and on-board service, make this a hugely significant development for both Scotland-London air links and Loganair itself.

“We’re already looking at adding Edinburgh to this portfolio of London routes later in the year.

“It’s also a great honour to launch the first ever island air service direct to London, a huge boost to Stornoway’s overall connectivity.”

Stobart Aviation chief executive Glyn Jones said: “All of us at London Southend Airport look forward to welcoming Loganair as our newest airline in May, when these flights begin.”