Ferry fares are to be increased in a bid to protect lifeline services, according to Transport Minister Stewart Stevenson.

The two per cent rise to fares to Hebrides and Clyde routes will come on top of the 2.2% increase to that will come into effect at the start of the summer.

Mr Stevenson said the price hike was essential in the face of the tough economic climate.

Transport Minister Stewart Stevenson said: “We are taking decisions which will allow us to maintain the efficient ferry services which the public currently enjoy.

“We are committed to ensuring all remote and fragile communities are linked into the wider Scottish economy. This underpins our commitment to investigating Road Equivalent Tariff (RET) as the basis for future ferry fares.

“That is why we are committed to the RET pilot to consider the most effective and sustainable way to improve the affordability of ferry services to our islands. Since the launch of the pilot, we have seen a significant increase in the number of visitors, family and friends and businesses visiting the Western Isles.”

The increase will apply to all tickets other than the multi-journey tickets most commonly used by islanders. Commercial vehicles and coaches will be exempt.

NorthLink's Aberdeen to Orkney and Shetland timetable is also likely to be affected, with details expected in the near future.

The Northern Isles’ winter routes will also continue to be the subject of discussions between NorthLink and the Scottish Government.

The fare changes on the Clyde and Hebrides ferry services will start on 26 March.