Doubts over future fuel supplies for four remote communities in the Highlands and Islands have been lifted thanks to financial assistance from the Scottish Executive's Rural Petrol Stations Scheme.

Ardgour Stores in Lochaber, Bridgend Filling Station in Lairg, Marion's Shop in Orkney and Burra Motor Repairs in Shetland will all benefit from the programme, which is delivered by the Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) network.

The assistance will help each filling station comply with legislation and invest in modern pumps and tanks, which would not have been viable for their owners to replace themselves.

The initiative was established by the government 15 months ago to avert the threat of closure hanging over some rural petrol stations. There were concerns that any closures would have had serious 'knock-on' effects on their respective communities affecting businesses, tourism and social activities.

Over £400,000 (pounds) has been approved to date, with the funds being channelled through the HIE Network and Local Enterprise Companies. Almost all of the petrol stations assisted so far are located in economically fragile areas.

A grant of £67,500 from the Rural Petrol Stations Scheme was vital to secure the future of the petrol station at Ardgour Stores in Lochaber. New pumps and tanks along with lighting and forecourt surfacing will offer locals and visitors to the Ardnamurchan peninsula a high quality, convenient fuel station that complements the other new facilities at Kilchoan and Strontian which were also assisted under the programme.

A £57,000 (pounds) grant will see new tanks and pumps installed at the Bridgend Service Station in Lairg in Sutherland. If this closed, villages would face a round trip of 24 miles to the nearest petrol station in Rogart.

A brand new £68,000 (pounds) petrol station will be built at Marion's Shop on the Orkney island of Rousay, thanks to a £40,800 (pounds) grant, guaranteeing a regular supply of fuel for locals, where they have previously depended on the generosity of a local business selling fuel in small containers.

And in Shetland, fuel supplies have been assured for people in Burra, Trondra and Scalloway. Without a £2,500 (pounds) grant from the Rural Petrol Stations Scheme, the owners of Burra Motor Repairs may have considered giving up the sale of fuel because of its low profit margin.

Lorne MacLeod, director of strengthening communities in HIE said: "Rural petrol stations are vital to preserving the way of life in the Highlands and Islands. Without financial assistance, many if not all of the petrol stations assisted so far would have closed and that would have had a heavy economic impact for businesses and locals."