BUSINESSES in the Western Isles say an extra £2.5 million from the Scottish Government to help with increased ferry charges for commercial vehicles is not enough.

Transport Minister Keith Brown found the money so nobody would face increases of more than 50%.

More than 90 businesses in the islands are campaigning for the retention of Road Equivalent Tariff (RET), due to be rolled out through Caledonian MacBrayne.

But Ministers announced in December RET would be withdrawn from commercial vehicles, which the businesses claim mean increases of up to 172%.

David Wood, of Stornoway-based Woody's Express, said: "In reality, island customers will have to find the equivalent of £2.5m, every year."