The UK's largest independent distributor of fuel has highlighted the key role Luss filling station plays in the economy of the village and surrounding area.

Certas Energy says the station, part of the Luss Estates, shows how having forecourts in rural communities helps businesses and those working in essential services such as doctors.

The Luss facility achieved national recognition when it featured recently in a BBC news article highlighting the importance of rural filling stations.

The Gulf branded forecourt, supplied by Certas Energy, opened in 2016, bucking a trend that has seen forecourt numbers decline by more than half in three decades.

There are now only 5,500 independently owned sites across the whole of the UK.

Sir Malcolm Colquhoun opened the filling station following a strategic report, commissioned by the estate, to rejuvenate the village and support inward tourism.

The previous forecourt closed in 1995, forcing residents to endure a 20 mile round trip to fill-up.

It had been considered unviable to open a filling station until Sir Malcolm, during a trip to France, discovered a fully automated forecourt and thought it a brilliant idea.

With the support of Certas Energy, the pay-at-pump Gulf petrol station was born.

For the BBC article, Sir Malcolm said: “Places like Luss can turn into retirement villages, but they need families and children to continue.

"There are real difficulties in rural communities and the mission is to breathe new life into Luss by bringing jobs and economic prosperity.”

Greig Dickson, regional manager, Certas Energy said: “We welcomed the BBC’s excellent feature, Fuelling Communities.

“Over time, supermarket chains have decimated the independent forecourt sector and with such low margins on fuels, those in rural areas without other forms of revenue struggle to survive.

"At Certas Energy, we are trying to halt the decline in numbers with a range of innovative supply solutions, specifically for the low volume retailer, including full automation.

“The convenience of having a forecourt close-by means a shorter drive to fill-up, saving time, money and fuel as well as reducing vehicle emissions. It also helps businesses and those working in essential services such as doctors."

Mr Dickson added: "If we are to protect and strengthen rural communities then we must support local business whether that be a pub, post office, shop or filling station.”