The debt struggle of some island families has been highlighted after one advice charity revealed that its average Western Isles client owes £11,470.
In the last five years, 132 families have turned to the StepChange Debt Charity for help.
Nearly 40% were struggling with council tax arrears, a third are in difficulty because of their mortgage and a just less than a quarter have fallen into arrears on their electricity bills.
Isles MSP Alasdair Allan said the figures are "disheartening."
He said: “These are tough times with households across the isles and the country really struggling at the moment.
"The high cost of living, the severe impact of the Tories’ welfare cuts and predatory pay day loan companies are just a few of the things pushing more and more individuals and households into debt. "
He added: “Falling into debt can happen to anyone and nobody should suffer in silence.
"There is a range of help and advice for any constituents who are having problems paying their energy or other household bills."
The independent charity Scottish Gas Energy Trust (SGET) as well as Scottish Gas and StepChange Debt Charity, have free financial help available to those in need.
SGET provides grants to help pay off gas and electricity debts and to purchase energy
efficient white goods such as washing machines and fridge-
Debt figures highlight islanders' financial struggle
1 February 2016