The majority of MSPs in the north and north-east managed to reduce their expenses last year.
Figures released by the Scottish Parliament show members representing the region claimed about £770,000 in 2013-14, down from more than £800,000 the previous year.
The reduction was in contrast to the overall picture among 128 MSPs at Holyrood who claimed more than £12.5million, up from £12.26millionthe previous year.
A Scottish Parliament spokeswoman said: “The 2.14% rise in members’ expenses last year broadly reflects the effect of inflation on office costs and on staff salaries.”
MSPs representing areas furthest from Edinburgh racked up some of the highest claims.
Orkney Liberal Democrat Liam McArthur had the third highest expenses at £40,234, but he managed to slash the total by nearly £6,700 in 2013-14.
Shetland Liberal Democrat MSP Tavish Scott claimed £36,038 in 2013-14, down from £40,967 the previous year.
Western Isles SNP MSP Alasdair Allan, who is also minister for science, learning and Scotland’s languages, cut his expenses for the second year running. In 2013-14 he claimed £31,839, down from £32,751 the previous year.
“There is no avoiding that flying to and from parliament every week involves travelling expenses for a an island-based MSP that don’t exist for other members,” he said.
“It should be said however that much of this expense is met by the government rather than by the parliament now I am a minister. This explains some of the variation from year to year in parliamentary expenses.”
Highlands and Islands SNP MSP Mike MacKenzie claimed more this year – £35,834 compared to £30,780 in 2012-13.
The highest claim at the Scottish Parliament was made by SNP MSP for South Scotland, Chic Brodie at £54,297.
First Minister Alex Salmond, who represents Aberdeenshire East, claimed £9,691, while Labour leader Johann Lamont’s claim was £19,697.
Scottish Conservatives leader Ruth Davidson claimed £17,184. Liberal Democrat leader Willie Rennie’s expenses were £16,394.