Pay machines at a multi-storey car park in the Highlands are refusing to take Scottish bank notes but readily accepts English currency.

The controversial newly-installed machines at Rose Street car park in Inverness take English notes without a hitch. But they are rejecting Scottish money, to the anger of motorists.

Highland Council has admitted the problem, claming it was an oversight. Transport official Les Houlker said: "It's something that's probably slipped through without realising.

"There is no problem with English notes, but in Scotland you have the Bank of Scotland, Royal Bank and the Clydesdale, all with different notes. Even the £10 and £5 notes vary with different designs, so I think that's part of the problem."

The new machines, which replaced a pay-and-display scheme this month, were altered when the problem was first discovered.

But Mr Houlker added: "After initial complaints we amended the software and we thought that had cured it, but we understand it is still not accepting all Scottish notes.

"Unless we get one of each different bank note and tried to put it in, and until people complain to us, we are not certain which ones it is not taking.

"We would welcome the help of the public to in identifying any problem notes."

Motorist Rhonda McRorie, a charity manager, said: "How ridiculous is it that we are either expected to carry pockets full of pound coins if we wish to park for a longer period of time, or ensure we have English notes to pay our dues in a Highland car park."

IN DETAIL

• Scottish banknotes - legal tender or not?