Scottish petrol stations are running on empty

Local authorities in Scotland are to campaign for public money that could be used to retain a network of filling stations in the highlands and islands as closures accelerate there.

The Highland Council said that more than half of the remaining 231 petrol outlets in its region faced closure in the next decade unless something was done.

“It is important that the public, communities and politicians fully understand that the threat facing the wide availability of our fuel supply is a real one, and action is needed now,” said Ian Ross, chairman of the planning, environment and development committee of the Highland Council.

Most of these remote petrol stations are independently owned but are struggling against low margins and the need to upgrade facilities.

Guardian