Power Station Talks

The future of up to 1, 000 Longannet workers will dominate talks at Holyrood today.

The Energy Minister Fergus Ewing will deliver a statement this afternoon.

It follows an announcement by Scottish Power that it will close the power plant next March after losing out on a £15 million National Grid contract.

Mr Ewing said: “The news that Longannet is now likely to close prematurely is very concerning for the Scottish Government. I will speak to the leader of Fife Council, Cllr David Ross, this afternoon to discuss a co-ordinated response.

“We will look to engage all relevant authorities and agencies alongside Scottish Power to secure the best possible outcomes for those affected throughout the local economy and further afield. This activity will require cross-party support and close working between all of the relevant authorities.

“Of course there has been broad consensus that the electricity system in Scotland will be less resilient if Longannet closes prematurely. It is vital therefore that these discussions also explore all possible options for averting the premature closure of the site, such as possible action to address discriminatory transmission charges, whether additional National Grid contracts could be available and whether the restoration coal proposal - mentioned in the UK Budget - could help the station’s economics.”