LUSS Filling Station was opened this week with the first vehicle to fill up being from Arrochar Mountain Rescue Team.

The station located in Luss car park is an unmanned 24-hour station developed with Certas Energy and Tokheim Solutions.

Luss is accessed off the A82, a major transport route to the Highlands and Islands. The provision of this new site will be a great asset to those travelling north as the next 24-hour filling station on the A82 is 64 miles away in Fort William.

The station will provide Gulf diesel and Gulf unleaded petrol and has been developed on the old filling station site in the carpark in Luss, the old station ceased operation over 20 years ago making the new one a welcomed addition.

Sir Malcolm Colquhoun, Chairman of Luss Estates said: “It has been a long time coming, but now, after 25 years, Luss has got its filling station back. The latest auto payment technology means that it can remain open 24 hours a day throughout the year, and allows us to maintain competitive pricing, in contrast to many rural filling stations.

“I am convinced it will be an absolute boon to local businesses, residents and tourists alike, a huge enhancement of what Luss has to offer, and I am delighted that we have been able to bring this project to fruition.”

Luss Estates have strong links with Arrochar Mountain Rescue Team (AMRT) as Luss Estates dedicated operations manager, Charles Johnson, has been an active team member of AMRT for many years. These strong links made them the ideal first customers.

AMRT are an important resource in the area as they assist anyone in need of help or anyone in distress on the hills.

Luss is one of Scotland's most visited villages, a combination of spectacular scenery, picture-postcard cottages and its position on the Bonnie Banks of Loch Lomond contribute to its enduring popularity with domestic and overseas tourists and day trippers alike.

Mike Bignall, Team Leader Arrochar Mountain Rescue Team: “We are a team of 34 volunteers, on call 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

“Arrochar Mountain Rescue Team comprises of men and women from a variety of professions and backgrounds. We pride ourselves on our professionalism and have a shared goal which is the desire to assist anyone who is in distress on the hills.

“We rely heavily on public donations and support to help us maintain the equipment that we require and the team’s training to ensure our competency to continue to deliver a world class rescue service.”

To find out more about developers Certas Energy visit http://www.certasenergy.co.uk/.