Mossmorran's Ethylene Plant returns to normal operations

ExxonMobil has announced normal operations have resumed at Mossmorran's Ethylene Plant.

The company has also confirmed it's no longer using its flare.

It's after flaring could be seen from across Fife and even Edinburgh last night.

SEPA said it received more than 380 reports of how flaring affected local communities.

The environmental regulator added that it received reports of elevated flaring after 3:30am on Sunday.

Meanwhile, ExxonMobil has apologised for the frustration caused to locals and insists it'll continue to work to reduce future episodes of flaring.

The firm says the issue was due to a faulty part on its compressor.

Plant Manager Jacob McAlister said: "Fife Ethylene Plant has now safely returned to normal operations and we are no longer using our flare.

"As previously advised, the issue was caused by a faulty part on our compressor.

"This resulted in our safety systems isolating the machine and routing gas via the flare.

"Our teams identified and replaced the part, and then conducted comprehensive checks to ensure a safe and reliable re-start of the machine.

"We will finalise our own investigation into the root cause but can confirm that, contrary to misinformation, weather was not a contributing factor.

"We absolutely understand and apologise for the frustration that the use of our flare can cause.

"We will, therefore, continue to work to reduce future occurrences.

"Thank you for your patience during this time."