Isles fuel rises will be debated

Alasdair Allan says Western Isles fuel prices are "horrendous"

Western Isles MSP Alasdair Allan has secured a Holyrood member's debate into fuel costs in the Western Isles.

He is backed by Liberal Democrat members, former minister Tavish Scott and Liam MacArthur, among others.

UK Chancellor Alistair Darling said he was now aware of the level of island prices after filling up the tank of his car on Lewis.

Mr Allan intends to highlight the French system of variable fuel duty for remote and rural parts of the country.

The MSP said he wanted the issue raised with the Westminster parliament.

Mr Allan said: "Everyone who has met me in the Western Isles over the past few months has mentioned the horrendous fuels costs that people in Scotland's island communities are currently having to pay.

"I have been contacted by many Western Isles businesses who tell me how much they are struggling to keep their businesses running in the face of overwhelming rises in the cost of fuel.

"I am particularly concerned by conversations I have had with fishermen who tell me that the very viability of their businesses is threatened by increases of up to 80% in the cost of fishing fuel over the past year."

The Holyrood debate is expected to take place on Wednesday, 28 May.

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