All rural petrol stations in Scotland will be able to apply for funding from a scheme that supports the availability of fuel in rural Scotland.

Following a review into the Rural Petrol Stations Grant Scheme, it was found that its travel, economic and environmental benefits to rural communities far exceeded the scheme’s costs.

As such, the Scottish Executive has decided to remove restrictions that prevent applications from some rural petrol stations considered too close to other stations that have already received a grant.

Transport minister Nicol Stephen said: “Keeping rural petrol stations open reduces unnecessary travelling which is good for local people, the local economy and the environment. By making the scheme available to all rural petrol stations, more communities can benefit.”

Funding so far amounts to £2.7m and 61 sites have received assistance.