Western Isles tourism aided by low ferry fares

Visitor numbers at locations throughout the Western Isles are up by between 25 and 40% on the same time last year, according to VisitScotland.

The tourism body said the Scottish government's road equivalent tariff (RET) scheme, which offers lower ferry fares, has been a factor.

VisitScotland chairman Mike Cantlay said a decision on RET's future was imminent and urged its continuation.

The scheme was launched on Western Isles routes in 2008.