Mountain trek bid to save pumps

The campaigners will take to the hills to highlight their fuel plight

Three residents of Applecross in the west Highlands are walking over a mountain this weekend to highlight the threat to their village petrol station.

The 18-mile journey would become a regular feature of life in Applecross if locals fail to save their pumps.

The shop which operates them is having to give up that part of its business because of increasing costs.

Lochcarron is the nearest petrol station so a community company is being set up to save the Applecross pumps.

'No fuel'

The walkers will make the 2,000ft ascent over the Bealach na Ba, Gaelic for pass of the cattle, an ancient droving route and the nearest thing to an Alpine pass in Scotland.

Judith Fish, who runs the Applecross Inn, said the lack of petrol was a serious problem for the village - especially in the tourist season.

She said: "Over the last 12-18 months we have had a situation where we have had no fuel in the pumps which has caused a lot of distress to a lot of people.

"I know that because where they come for help is the local inn and we have been able to help people out, or direct them to somebody who is may be able to help them out with a small amount literally to get them out of here."

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version