The provision of publicly available charge points for electric cars in Argyll and Bute has been criticised after it emerged just 13 were commissioned last year.

Local MSP Donald Cameron described the amount as “paltry” and said it would serve as a major disincentive for people in the area to invest in electric cars.

The Scottish Government wants to install 30,000 charge points across the country by 2030.

However, a Parliamentary Question by the Highlands and Islands MSP revealed the slow progress on infrastructure.

Just 13 publicly available points were commissioned last year, as well as a further seven that are not available to the public.

Scottish Conservative Highlands and Islands MSP Donald Cameron said:

“Progress in providing proper infrastructure across Argyll and Bute for charge points is painfully slow.

“A paltry amount were commissioned last year, and that’s not even to say all of these were successfully installed and now up-and-running.

“Motorists are constantly being told to consider switching to electric vehicles.

“But the appalling lack of charging infrastructure across Argyll and Bute must surely make people and businesses think twice.

“The Scottish Government needs to recognise this failure and increase provision as a matter of urgency.”