The Scottish government is to purchase 83 low-carbon emission buses in a deal with several different operators.

Some £3.7 million is being spent through round five of the Scottish Green Bus Fund. The new investment will bring the total number of low-carbon vehicles in Scotland’s eco-friendly bus fleet to 209. 

First Glasgow, Wilson's of Rhu, Secure Airparks, First Scotland East, Lothian Buses, Stagecoach North Scotland, Deveron Coaches and Orkney Islands Council are all to benefit from the funding.

Scottish transport minister Keith Brown said: "This fund is helping our bus industry invest in the latest emission reducing technology and is another clear indication of our support and commitment to the bus industry in Scotland."

Buses already purchased through the fund are delivering significant fuel savings and reduced emissions, the Scottish government revealed. It is hoped they will contribute to its climate change target of achieving a 42 per cent reduction in carbon emissions by 2020.