People living in island communities are receiving support to visit loved ones in prison under an expanded scheme.
Families travelling from Shetland, Orkney, or the Western Isles were already entitled to up to £200 each year to help with travel expenses for two prison visits.
The Scottish Prison Service has now added islands in Highland, Argyll and Bute, and North Ayrshire to the scheme.
A Scottish Prison Service spokesperson said: “We recognise the importance of strong family relationships, both to those in our care and their loved ones, particularly children, and our staff work hard to support this.
“While we have introduced a number of options to support family contact, including in cell telephones, which replaced prison issued mobiles; virtual visits; and email a prisoner, we understand that this can only complement, rather than replace, face to face visits.
“These visits are more difficult for those families with further to travel, and especially so for those living in island communities, so we are pleased we can provide this support.”
More information is available here.