European boost for Highland motorists

BRUSSELS have given a boost to motorists in the Highlands – and the re-election hopes of local MP Danny Alexander.

The European Commission has backed a scheme that would cut 5p a litre from fuel prices in remote areas.

Of the 17 proposed parts of the UK that would benefit, 13 are in the Highlands.

The policy is the brainchild of Highland MP and Treasury minister Danny Alexander, who is currently battling to save his seat in May’s general election.

Under the scheme the UK Government would cut the duty drivers pay at the pumps in some remote rural areas.

However, although the commission has agreed to the plan it still needs to be rubber-stamped by all EU member states.

The AA motoring organisation has also warned that some drivers could find it difficult to tell if the full rebate has been passed on.

The RAC also said it doubted whether rural prices would ever be on a par with those in towns and cities.

It came as one petrol station owner was accused of charging motorists exorbitant prices that are more than 40p a litre higher than average.

Stracathro Services near Brechin charges 148.9p for unleaded and 152.9p for diesel.

A spokeswoman for Stracathro Services said that the station was a “bunkering” site that was primarily used by haulage firms on monthly contracts but also catered for people in need of an emergency fuel stop between Dundee and Aberdeen.

She said: “We are independently owned and have a Gulf franchise to sell fuel supplied by them through the pumps.

“The prices have been the same for more the two years now. We are not one of the people who follow the market price.

“It just so happens the price has dropped right out of the bottom, so our prices are more conspicuous now.”