Plans to cut and replace air passenger duty (APD) in Scotland have been met with a mixed response.

The Scottish Government has published the findings of its consultation on proposals for a replacement tax from 2018 after receiving 160 responses.

It says the replacement tax is intended to boost Scotland's international connectivity and contribute to sustainable growth.

About half of respondents agreed with the Government's policy objectives.

The SNP administration has also promised to reduce APD by 50% from April 2018 onwards and eventually abolish the tax.

Almost half of those responding to the consultation expressed an objection to or raised concerns around the potential impact of the reduction in APD.

The negative environmental impact of an increase in air travel was the most commonly cited reason for concern.

Finance Secretary Derek Mackay said: "UK APD is one of the most expensive taxes of its kind in the world.

"It continues to act as a barrier to Scotland's ability to secure new direct international routes and maintain existing ones."

He said the consultation results will "allow us to take the next step and begin the process of developing plans on how a Scottish replacement tax should be structured and operated to help boost Scotland's international connectivity and economic competitiveness while giving due consideration to environmental issues".

"Our plan, taking into account the responses to the consultations, will be to start reducing the overall burden of a new tax in Scotland from April 2018, implement a 50% reduction in full by the end of the current Scottish Parliament, and then abolish the tax entirely when public finances allow," he added.

"This a fundamental component of our efforts to boost Scotland's economy through improving international connectivity and generating sustainable growth."

Liz Cameron, chief executive of Scottish Chambers of Commerce, said: "Unprecedented times call for unprecedented action from government and we would urge all of Scotland's political parties to get behind this essential measure for economic growth.

"The Scottish Government has a unique opportunity to make use of their devolved power and send out a clear message to the world that Scotland is open for business.

"A substantial reduction in our taxes on air travel will enable Scottish businesses to grow globally and also attract international investment into Scotland."

Hugh Aitken, director of business organisation CBI Scotland, said: "The Scottish Government's plan for a 50% cut in the replacement to APD is a welcome opportunity to give businesses a clear competitive boost, providing an estimated additional economic activity worth £200 million each year."