Europcar UK has launched a pay-by-the hour vehicle hire service, Europcar Hourly Hire, in the hard to access Scottish Highlands & Islands.

Tapping into the latest low-emission vehicles – including the all-electric Renault Zoe– the initiative has been developed in partnership with Highlands & Islands Airports.

Gary Smith, managing director of Europcar UK Group, said: “This is a landmark, sustainable mobility solution for an area of the UK that has limited public transport infrastructure.

“By providing flexible access to vehicles, we believe we are bringing a new, low-impact and low cost travel option to the region.”

The  service, accessible from downtown in Inverness as well as Inverness, Stornoway, Sunburgh, Kirkwall, Wick and Dundee airports is offering both hybrid and electric vehicles, improving the overall experience for visitors – for business and leisure - to the Highlands & Islands.

Smith added: “This initiative also builds on Europcar’s already strong presence in Scotland.

“In particular, sister company E-Car Club has a growing car-sharing operation in key Scottish locations including Stirling, St Andrews and the Western Isles.”