Vital petrol station to close for two weeks
A key Highland Perthshire filling station will be closed for fuel for two weeks next month.
Pitlochry’s only garage, the BP franchise on the approach to the town centre, is out of action from September 9-27 for a refit of the fuel tanks.
The garage confirmed its shop will remain operational, as it transitions from Budgens to Spar, there just will be no opportunity to buy petrol or diesel.
Pitlochry businesses like the Milton of Fonab Caravan Park are warning customers booked in to its site to be aware of the two and a half week closure, which will straddle the Pitlochry Games weekend.
Jill Scougall, partner in the family-run caravan park, put out advance notice for her customers on social media: “The BP garage in Pitlochry is getting a vital refurbishment to its forecourt. Therefore no fuel available from 9-27 September. Remember to plan ahead.”
Jill’s family has had the 27 static caravan and 150 touring pitch business for 35 years. She said: “Caravan and motorhomes sometimes drive long distances to come to us, and on the way they could use up their fuel if the roads are busy and they get stuck in traffic jams.
“So guaranteed, some will be caught out if they have not factored in arriving with extra fuel. We’re doing our best to inform people so they don’t come in to town nearly out of fuel.
“The BP filling station is very busy. But there is a 24 hour garage eight miles away at Blair Atholl and the Ballinluig Services are five miles away. It’s just worth noting that we won’t have any fuel available to buy actually in Pitlochry at what is a very busy time in the season.
“I understand the garage has new owners and they needed to do this refit, it is an essential upgrade. The closure over Pitlochry Games on Saturday 14 is not ideal - we will be absolutely chocka-block that weekend.
“But the people at the garage probably felt it best not to do it during October when there’s the other big draw for tourists, the Enchanted Forest.
“And I know that cold weather in the winter months of November, December and January is not good for pouring concrete, so I guess they had to go ahead and take this two week plus window in September.”