The government’s pilot of a rural fuel duty rebate scheme giving motorists in Scotland’s Highlands and Islands a 5ppl discount on pump prices has come into force today.

More than 90 retailers in the Inner & Outer Hebrides, Northern Isles, Islands in the Clyde and Isles of Scilly have applied to take part in the scheme, which received final EU clearance in November 2011 to go ahead this year.

Chief Secretary to the Treasury Danny Alexander said: “It’s terrific that islanders in Scotland and the Isles of Scilly will finally begin to see a cut in fuel prices after years facing higher costs. This will make a real difference to people who face the highest fuel costs in the country.

“The government has shown the naysayers that real action is possible and this discount will deliver real benefits to motorists and businesses in remote island communities.

“This shows yet again how a government for the whole of the United Kingdom can, and is, delivering real results for Scotland.”