Residents in a remote part of Skye are celebrating the official re-opening of the area's filling station and grocery store. With help from a partnership of funding organisations, the scattered Uig community has, at long last, secured these key services.

The Highland Council Convener, David Green carried out the official opening this afternoon (Wednesday 4th July) watched by members of the local community and representatives from Skye and Lochalsh Enterprise (SALE) and Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE). Speaking at the event, Cllr Green said: "This is a remarkable achievement for a small village and shows just what can be achieved when all sections of the community pull together."

Following the closure of the petrol station early last year, the only one in the area, the crofting and fishing community of 400 rallied together in a bid to re-establish the business which comprises a service station, grocery store, gift shop and a cafe.

Uig Pier Development Limited and Uig Community Development Association (UCDA)were the main drivers behind the £190,000 project, securing enough funding to get the project up and running and creating two valuable new jobs in the process.

A £44,000 award from HIE's Community Land Unit and £15,000 of support from SALE helped purchase the site at Uig Pier and will go towards the development of the business along with £6,000 from The Highland Council. The largest source of funding for the project came from the Scottish Executive's Rural Petrol Stations Scheme with investment of £56,000 to help upgrade the fuel tanks and petrol pumps. This scheme is administered by HIE.

The UCDA was formed in February 1999 to press the case for the retention of Uig as the Skye landfall for Caledonian MacBrayne's ferry services to Harris and North Uist. At the time, they also decided to look at ways to develop the Uig pier and to encourage economic, social and cultural development in the area. The re-establishment of the petrol station along with the shop and cafe is seen as major achievement for the remote community. UCDA official and Community Council secretary, Andy Anderson said: "The small community in Uig have shown, by their commitment and hard work in this project, that they are determined to build a viable and sustainable future for their children."

Although the community will retain control of these vital services to ensure their long-term sustainability, the business has been leased to an independent operator who is responsible for their day to day operation.

Development manager at SALE, Graham Campbell said: "Uig is one of Skye's most fragile communities and has suffered from de-population in recent years, so we have been pleased to assist a project like this which not only meets our priorities of growing businesses and strengthening communities, but more importantly is going to provide a range of social and economic benefits.

"The business will provide an important service to locals and also to visitors using the Western Isles ferry and because of its prominent location we hope it will encourage visitors to stay longer and spend more money in the area. We also hope this success might encourage other business and community developments in Uig."