The pilot scheme which has been providing lower cost ferry fares to and from the Outer Hebrides is set to continue for at least another year. The road equivalent tariff (RET) bases the cost of travelling on the cost of the same distance by road. VisitScotland says that the RET fares have boosted tourist visits to the isles.
The scheme will now run until at least the spring of 2012 and local politicians are hopeful that the RET fares are here to stay. The Outer Hebrides has some of the best beaches in Scotland and a great mixture of coastal and hill walking. Check out some of the routes on the Western Isles available on Walkhighlands here.