Brussels, 18/05/2006 (Agence Europe) - The European Commission has given the green light for aid of a social character for air transport services to, from and within certain eligible regions of the Highlands and Islands of Scotland. The measure is compatible with European rules on aid of a social character granted to individual consumers without discrimination as to the origin of the service provider is compatible with the common market. The scheme which will grant a 50% discount on air fares within the region or to/from the region to the main population centres of Scotland will run from 2006 to 2008 and is expected to cost £11.2 million (€ 16.2 million) per year.