The Future Of Longannet

Politicians are being urged to pull out all the stops to create low carbon jobs in Fife.

Yesterday, Scottish Power announced that Longannet Power Station will close next year after losing out on a National Grid contract worth £15 million.

The decision, which puts at least 270 under threat, has been branded a 'disaster' for local jobs and the economy.

Gina Hanrahan from WWF Scotland says the country is in the midst of an energy transition:

The decision has prompted fears for the future of workers and for Kincardine and the central belt.

Peter Welsh is from Unite:

Fife Council Leader, David Ross, said: “I’m very disappointed that Longannet looks set to close next year as a result of the decision.

“We estimate that up to 1,000 direct and indirect jobs will be affected. This will be a devastating blow for Fife and East Central Scotland.

“I wrote to First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon MSP, last week proposing a joint task force in the event of the closure of the plant. I am now in contact with Fergus Ewing MSP, the Scottish Energy Minister, and will be discussing with him how Fife Council and the Scottish Government can work together to support the employees at Longannet and the local economy.

“We need to act now to prepare for the impact of the early closure of Longannet but this won’t stop us continuing to explore all options to retain the plant at least until 2020.”