One of Britain's most remote islands could be the location for a platinum resource, after progress was made in the search for the precious metal in Unst.

Located in the Shetland Islands, Unst houses less than 750 people, but has been earmarked as a potential jackpot for the supply of platinum.

Geologist are currently scrutinising results from assays on the island, with researchers growing increasingly confident of the viability of a mine after finishing their sixth visit.

Sandy Macaulay, who runs Unst Partnership, the island's economic development agency, told the Independent that the "possession of even a modest amount and having that secured for exploitation if the worst happened is worthwhile".

Exploration firm Agricola Resources holds the rights to the resource after purchasing the rights from former talcum mine operators Alexander Sandisons & Sons.

The firm's chairman, Robert Young, said he was "very optimistic" about the viability of the site to provide a good resource, with efforts now focussed on how best to minimise disruption to the local community.

Another bonus for the location of the platinum resource is the island's use of the precious metal in the production of energy.

Later this year the island will open the hydrogen production plant - the first community-owned operation in Europe - as part of efforts to boost the use of renewable energy.