Air discount scheme increased and ferry fares frozen

The Scottish Government Air Discount Scheme, which offers a significant discount on air fares for travellers from remote communities such as Orkney and Shetland, has been increased to 50 per cent.

The announcement was made by minister for transport and islands Derek Mackay at the islands debate in parliament earlier today.

Fifty per cent is the maximum allowed under the terms of the scheme and will apply to tickets booked on or after January 1, 2016. The previous discount was 40 per cent.

This increase comes after Mr Mackay announced earlier this year the scheme was being extended to 2019.

Mr Mackay also announced a total freeze on ferry fares for 2016/17 across the Scottish Government subsidised services — including passengers, cars and commercial vehicles.