Islanders will now be eligible for a 50% discount on air fares, as ministers described flights to remote communities as “lifeline connections”.
The new discount is an increase of 10% to the previous Air Discount Scheme (ADS) and is available for residents of Caithness and north-west Sutherland, Colonsay, Islay, Jura, Orkney, Shetland and the Western Isles.
The half-price discount will apply to all tickets booked on or after January 1 and is also available to students who study away from home, volunteers and employees of third sector organisations.
The move has been widely welcomed by island communities but calls have been made to expand the scheme to include businesses.
Minister for transport and the islands Derek Mackay announced earlier in 2015 that the scheme would be extended until 2019 with the fares on government-subsidised ferries also frozen during 2016-17.
Mr Mackay said: “This makes a real difference to residents of our remote communities, giving people access to significantly cheaper air fares.
“These services are lifeline connections to many of these communities, so I’m very pleased that we can help them further by increasing the ADS.
“I’ve heard a lot about the issue of high air fares in the Highlands and Islands over the past year. This increase tackles the issue directly and I hope eligible residents take full advantage of the scheme.
“These changes underline the Scottish Government’s commitment to support the communities of the Highlands and Islands.”
Councillor Angus Campbell, leader of Western Isles Council, last night welcomed the increased discount but said the authority would continue to push for increased support for transport links.
He said: “Obviously we very pleased with the increased discount. It’s a positive move and ai important one for people reaching travelling by air.
“We would like to see the reinstatement of support for businesses but on the whole it’s a good step which has a significant part to play.”
Shetland Council leader Gary Robinson said he was “very pleased” with the announcement, adding: “While this is a major step forwards, much still needs to be done to secure reliable and affordable transport links to the islands.”