Labour councillor Alex Gallagher has welcomed the move by Cal Mac to design cages for the storing and transportation of fuel between Largs and Cumbrae.

Cllr. Gallagher has told the 'News' that ferry operator Caledonian MacBrayne are designing cages for approval by the marine coastguard agency.

This comes after concerns had been aired by Cllr. Gallagher that some islanders had been 'smuggling' fuel from the mainland across to the island by ferry, and resulted in spot checks taking place in an attempt to clamp down on the practice, which is illegal, but Cllr. Gallagher said that he was not aware that any prosecutions had ever taken place into the practice.

Cllr. Gallagher said: "I am extremely sorry that it has come to this - we should have had a bit more energy in providing a fuel source on the island, but I believe from a strong safety aspect, that this is the best alternative.

"I welcome the safety of passengers being considered by Cal Mac, although I am disappointed that the opportunity for at least a petrol/diesel facility based on the island doesn't seem to be coming to fruition. I haven't personally given up on that, but the grants are not available at the moment, and the situation is in abeyance."

"My understanding is that the cages are currently at the design stage, and we are waiting for the MCA to approve it."

The Cumbrae Community Development Company had looked at a plan for a new petrol station on the island, but after various discussions, and surveys took place on the island, it was felt that there was not a clear financial basis with which to go forward with such an initiative.

Indeed, chairman Michael Bertram said in July of this year: "We have had various discussions with stakeholders on this issue and there is not the appetite for this initiative."

The County Garage Petrol Station closed in 2006, meaning that the island currently has no publicly available fuel supply for nine years.

The Caledonian MacBryane website states: "You have to declare dangerous goods at least 24 hours in advance by contacting the port of departure. Dangerous goods include flammable substances such as petrol and LPG, and must be carried in accordance with strict Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) regulations. You cannot carry spare cans of fuel. We reserve the right to inspect/refuse any vehicle presented for shipment."

A spokesman for Cal Mac stated: "We have very strict rules on what can and cannot be carried on board our vessels with clear signage explaining the restrictions."

A spokeswoman for the MCA stated that two "two separate unannounced campaigns" had been mounted on the Largs-Cumbrae ferry in the summer.

She said: "All vehicles were searched prior to boarding. Any vehicles found with dangerous goods were not allowed to board until the items had been removed from the vehicle. The offending drivers were warned."