Minister Meets Fife Council Over Longannet Future

Sunday, 8 March 2015 00:05

Scottish Government experts say the plant has a role to play providing energy for Scotland for years to come.

The Scottish Government insists it's doing all it can to protect Longannet's workforce.

Energy Minister Fergus Ewing has met with Fife Council to discuss what happens if the plant shuts early.

This week it emerged the instability of renewables means a back up station is needed, with Longannet one of two possible contenders.

Mr Ewing says the plant "does a necessary job and our experts advise that it should play a role for many years to come in order to keep the lights on in Scotland and in the UK."

But, WWF Scotland say it's time to focus on finding workers new jobs in areas like renewable energy where they'll be able to use their existing skills.