EXPENSES claims for a local MSP have soared by almost a quarter in the last 12 months to £35,000.

Official figures published by the Scottish Parliament have revealed that the SNP’s Stuart McMillan claimed almost £7,000 more in 2014-15 than he did the year before.

The west of Scotland list MSP claimed £35,393 in the last 12 months — up from £28,604 in 2013-14.

It represents a 23 per cent increase year-on-year.

The bulk of Mr McMillan’s expenses were for office running costs, utility bills, accommodation in Edinburgh and travel and mileage between his Inverclyde home and parliament.

But the Greenock-based MSP also claimed for an array of other items — including £9 for a ‘Greenock street guide’, £46 for a first aid kit, just under £20 for key cutting and 45p for a two-minute car journey between two primary schools in West Dunbartonshire, which he also represents.

The Morton supporter also shelled out £600 of taxpayer’s money on a trackside advertising board at Cappielow, £500 for a ‘paper folding machine’ and £4,000 on 7,500 second class stamps.

The SNP man today defended his expenses bill, saying that the money had been spent to allow him to serve constituents.

Mr McMillan said: “The Scottish Parliament’s allowances system is open and transparent, allowing members of the public to view all claims made by members.

“I have utilised the parliamentary allowances to ensure my office is properly staffed, and able to address constituent issues, at the same time as informing constituents of the work I am undertaking, through surveys and mailings.

“My allowances increased when I moved office and I have undertaken more surveys of constituents as a result.

“As a regional MSP I cover a vast area of the west of Scotland and believe the allowances I have utilised have allowed me to serve my constituents.

“As always my door is open to members of the public and I’m happy to discuss any questions constituents may have regarding my allowances.” Greenock and Inverclyde constituency MSP Duncan McNeil’s expenses were also revealed yesterday and the figures show they fell over the last year — going down by £1,530.

The Labour politician was reimbursed just over £18,500 compared with £20,000 in 2013-14, a fall of nearly eight per cent.

The vast majority of Mr McNeil’s claims were for office rent, utility bills, accommodation costs in Edinburgh and travel expenses.

He was also reimbursed £128 for sign language interpretations.

Mr McNeil said: “I am pleased running costs have been reduced this year. I believe it is important the costs of doing the job of an MSP, such as running a busy constituency office in the heart of the community and keeping in contact with my constituents, are published for everyone to see and I would invite constituents to visit www.scottish.parliament.uk for full details.”