Liberal Democrat MSP for Orkney Liam McArthur secured a promise from the First Minister that he would support the Liberal Democrat campaign for fairer fuel prices for remote areas in Scotland.

In Mr McArthur’s constituency, fuel prices have now topped £1.40 a litre for diesel.

Commenting, Mr McArthur said:

“This week, diesel prices in the islands have gone above £1.40 per litre. Across the Highlands and Islands, soaring fuel prices are having a devastating effect on businesses, on those engaged in fishing and farming and on every household.

“Scottish Liberal Democrats in Westminster have secured a commitment from the UK Treasury to investigate why fuel prices in the Highlands and Islands are consistently so much higher than elsewhere in the country.

“I am pleased that the First Minister has agreed to support our campaign for an inquiry. The Scottish Government must work with the UK Government to secure a fair deal for all those living and working in the Highlands and Islands.”