It’s fuel speed ahead for Borders community petrol station

The first privately owned petrol station to open in the Scottish Borders in more than 25 years has opened its doors.

The Newcastleton Community Fuel Project was officially opened last week by three schoolchildren, with 70 pupils from the local primary school lending their support.

The community and project supporters were also out in force to mark the occasion.

With more than 90% of households in the village and surrounding area owning a car, the majority of local people and businesses are totally reliant on a car as a means of transport and to access vital local services.

But as well as bringing back fuel to the village, the Community Fuel Project will create jobs, stop thousands of unnecessary car journeys and for every litre of fuel that is sold in Newcastleton, the community will receive one penny back, money which can be invested back into local initiatives.

Young motorists Rose Hawes, Sophia Forster and Zachary Paterson steal the show at the launch of the new Community Fuel Station

Asked if price would influence how much fuel local people might buy at the village pumps; one third said that price would be a factor but over two thirds said that price would make no difference citing no need to travel, convenience and saving time and money as the real benefit.

The new Community Fuel Station has a choice of unleaded, diesel and from May, electric charging points as well as air and water services.

Chair of the Newcastleton and District Community Trust, Steve Hartley said: ‘We might only be a small place, but what we lack in size, we more than make up for with vision, energy and a strong community that works together to achieve great things.

‘For locals and visitors alike, we hope that everyone considers re-fuelling their vehicle here. Not only is it a great opportunity to re-discover our vibrant little village, you are also supporting our local community in a way which benefits every single person who lives in this special corner of the Scottish Borders.

‘The Community Fuel Project has always been about more than just fuel, it is about investing in our future and our young people. To have the fuel site officially opened by our children, with the whole school in support is just fuel-tastic! Their words not mine!’

Scott Hay was the last person to fill up in the village 10 years ago, and the first person to fill up at the new station

The Big Lottery Fund awarded £320,000 from its Community Assets fund towards the £450,000 project. Maureen McGinn, Big Lottery Fund Scotland Chair, said: ‘This National Lottery funding will help reinstate a vital service which will bring huge benefits for people who live and work locally.

‘The Newcastleton and District Community Trust, along with the wider community, have worked very hard to get to this point and we wish them every success with their new enterprise.’

Jackie Green from Scottish Enterprise, Rural Petrol Station Grant Scheme, said: ‘Newcastleton and the Liddesdale valley is populated with small businesses with a high level of self-employed.

This investment enables them to spend their time focusing on productivity, not losing a day’s work to seek fuel to deliver services. We are pleased to be able to support the community and the businesses in fulfilling their ambition of bringing fuel back to Newcastleton and congratulate them on achieving this ambitious undertaking.’

Gerry Welsh, Gulf Retail marketing manager said: ‘Gulf Retail is delighted to be the fuel supplier to the Newcastleton Community Fuel Project. The local team involved deserve huge congratulations in securing a vital facility for the local community.’