The Scottish Government spends more than £1m a year on car travel for ministers, it has emerged.

New figures released under a freedom of information request by the Scottish Conservatives found the devolved administration had spent almost £1.15m on its car service in the last financial year.

The Conservatives accused the SNP of "pretending to run a green-friendly government" after accumulating a seven-figure bill for ministerial transport.

The Scottish Government said it was on track to deliver savings in vehicle hire this year.

During the 2015/16 financial year, £243,000 was spent on hiring vehicles, a new high, and £765,000 staffing them.

A further £11,000 was spent on "travel and subsistence" while fuel costs dropped to £79,000. Nearly £50,000 was spent on repairs.

Scottish Conservative transport spokesman Liam Kerr said: "The SNP likes to pretend it runs a green-friendly government but the reality is quite the reverse.

"Despite repeated claims to be a different kind of administration, it seems the Nationalists are quite happy for ministers to be cutting around in luxurious cars funded by the taxpayer.

"Everyone appreciates the need for ministers to get from A to B but many will question the sheer scale of these costs. It's particularly ironic that this should emerge during Scotland's Environment Week."

He added: "The SNP is very happy to persuade other people to get out of their cars and find alternative modes of transport.

"Maybe it should be telling its ministers to be doing the same thing."

A Scottish Government spokesman said: "The Scottish Government continually looks for ways to minimise the use of the Government Car Service and ensures it is delivered as cost-effectively as possible.

"Maintenance costs have reduced by over 30% and travel and subsistence by 75%. We are on track to deliver savings on vehicle hire this year.

"We are committed to leading by example on tackling climate change and reducing carbon emissions, and constantly review the make-up of the fleet to ensure it is as environmentally sustainable as possible."