Two councillors from far-flung parts of Scotland have claimed nearly �75,000 in expenses between them over the past year.

Highland Council convener David Green recouped �41,384 after spending days on planes, trains and automobiles.

He travels regularly from his home in Achiltibuie, Wester Ross, to meetings in Inverness, Edinburgh, London and Brussels.

Charles King claimed �31,724 as part of his duties for covering the Mallaig area of the Highlands and the islands of Eigg, Muck, Rum and Canna.

We are the authority that covers the largest geographical area in Scotland

Gordon Fyfe Highland Council

The total bill of �1,276,156 from all 80 Highland councillors is reported to be the highest cost of any of the 32 Scottish local authorities.

Council spokesman Gordon Fyfe pointed out that it covered a 10,000 square mile area, with councillors having to travel from the Isle of Skye and remote areas of Sutherland in the far north-west to attend meetings.

He estimated that Mr Green travelled about 20,000 miles each year.

Packed week

"We don't deny he gets the highest expenses because he comes from Achiltibuie and he does seven days a week with the council," Mr Fyfe said.

"As an example, today he is meeting the Prime Minister in Downing Street, tomorrow he meets the first minister in Edinburgh and then on Wednesday he's back down to London to meet the secretary of state for Scotland.

David Green: Frequent traveller

"I'm not saying that's typical, but that's not untypical as convener."

Mr Fyfe said that the council was required to publish its expenses bill.

"We are the authority that covers the largest geographical area in Scotland - we have 80 councillors and we operate in the highly decentralised way," he added.

Orkney councillors Jim Sinclair and Hugh Halcro-Johnson claimed �29,701 and �33,163 respectively.

Across Scotland, the expenses bill for councils amounted to �18m.