An education scheme to help Hebridean pupils access more subjects online will receive £750,000 of funding.

The e-Sgoil project will focus on Gaelic education, higher courses and teacher training in the Western Isles.

Deputy First Minister John Swinney said it could be rolled out in other parts of the Highlands and Islands in future.

It is being supported by £550,000 from the Scottish Government and £150,000 from the Bord na Gaidhlig.

Mr Swinney said: "We want to deliver a world-class education for every child in the country and we have committed to improving the use of digital technology through our digital learning and teaching strategy.

"e-Sgoil is an excellent example of how we can do this for pupils living in rural communities.

"This innovative project will address many of the issues identified by the island councils last year including teacher recruitment for certain subjects and subject choices for pupils in the senior phase of school."

The announcement has been welcomed by Western Isles Council, which called the project an "exciting partnership".