No Petrol

The petrol station on the present site opposite The Ferry Stores dates back to 1921. Prior to that, petrol was served from the other side of the road.  The new petrol station was built in 1999, but the pumps - Gilbarco Slimlines - were kept even though they could have been replaced by modern, electronic machines, the logic being that the pumps were entirely mechanical, running off a single electric motor housed in the bottom of the unit, and that they would therefore be more reliable in our local climate as well as easier to repair.  This decision was fully supported by the company which did the pump repairs at the time, Fuel Pump and Tank Services of Inverness.

Having fuel available in this remote place is vital to the community.  It isn't only our cars that rely on it but also businesses, such as Ardnamurchan Estate, crofters and local builders, as well as our emergency services - fire engine, Coastguard and ambulance van.  It's therefore a serious matter when fuel isn't available.

There's been no unleaded petrol for upward of a week even though there are two unleaded pumps.  Repairs have been attempted locally on one pump, without success.  With the shop owner away, the staff have been in the extremely difficult position of being unable to tell anxious customers when petrol will be available.