Scottish Lib Dem conference: News in brief
Here is a selection of news in brief from the Scottish Liberal Democrat conference, meeting in Inverness.
Fuel duty rebate welcomed
The Scottish Liberal Democrat conference backed a motion welcoming the UK government's fuel duty rebate for islanders.
It also called for steps to be taken to extend the measure to remote communities on the Scottish mainland.
Speaking during the debate, Orkney MSP Liam McArthur said: "This is a real achievement by Liberal Democrats in government. For years, Liberal Democrats have highlighted the damaging economic and social impact that significantly higher fuel costs have on our island and remote rural communities.
"That is why the 5p reduction introduced this week is so welcome. Scottish Liberal Democrat conference backed a motion today welcoming the UK government's fuel duty rebate for our islands and calling for steps to be taken to extend the measure to remote communities on the Scottish mainland.
Motion backing Scotland's colleges
Delegates at the three-day conference passed a motion on protecting Scotland's colleges.
The Lib Dems Liam McArthur said: "Liberal Democrats recognise the vital role that Scotland's colleges play in providing the skills people need to get up and get on.
"It is very clear, however, that our colleges are feeling under siege from an SNP government that either doesn't care or doesn't understand the positive contribution colleges make to local communities up and down the country.
"With the education secretary showing more desire to centralise control in the hands of ministers than allowing colleges to respond to local needs, Liberal Democrats are committed to continuing to fight to put the interests of our colleges and students front and centre."