5p fuel cut for more Scots drivers 07 | 03 | 2011

MORE SCOTS could be in for a 5p fuel cut at the petrol pumps. Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Tavish Scott has pledged to push for the planned reduction in fuel duty for island communities to be extended to other remote parts of Scotland.

Last week's announcement by Chief Secretary to the Treasury Danny Alexander, that he would be submitting a formal application to the European Commission to deliver the 5p discount for places such as the Northern Isles and the Inner and Outer Hebrides, was widely welcomed.

But speaking at the Scottish Liberal Democrat spring conference in Perth, Scott — the MSP for Shetland — said he hoped the initiative would eventually spread further across Scotland.

"I've asked Danny to jump on a plane as soon as he can and make sure we make this case and we get this solution," Scott said. "Five pence is a help, but it still doesn't completely deal with the crippling difference between Scotland's islands and the mainland prices.

"Believe me, I'm as frustrated as anyone, not only representing an island, but also filling up my own car at home. Do I wish it was done already? I do, but this, on the other hand, is the first government who are actually doing this."

And the party leader accepted the concerns of people in areas such as Wester Ross, who will not be included in the initial phase.

"This is a pilot," he continued. "I hope that once we have got the principle agreed, then it can be rolled out to wider geographic areas of rural and remote Scotland. The people of Wester Ross have as much right to worry about this issue as anyone else."

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Jim McGill