THE taskforce charged with limiting the damage to West Fife's economy caused by the closure of Longannet has met this morning (Monday).

The Longannet taskforce will produce an Economic Recovery Plan to support workers, businesses and communities affected by the closure of the power station in March 2016.

The taskforce comprises elected representatives, trades unions, businesses and government agencies. Today’s meeting was co-chaired by Business, Energy and Tourism Minister Fergus Ewing and leader of Fife Council, Councillor David Ross.

Mr Ewing said, “The closure of Longannet next March will have far-reaching impacts on the local and national economy. The Scottish Government and its agencies will do everything possible to support the hundreds of people and many businesses affected by the closure.

“Members of the taskforce today agreed to develop an Economic Recovery Plan to mitigate the effects of the closure. The Plan will support workers to find new jobs, mitigate the effects on the supply chain, produce a masterplan for the long-term future of the Longannet site and consider how to create sustainable employment in the local area.

“That work will take a number of months to complete and I welcome the commitments made today by all parties to work closely together to address the issues constructively.” Councillor Ross added, “This is a hugely disappointing situation but I am very encouraged by the positive attitude and commitment shown by all those attending today’s meeting to work together to mitigate the impact of the closure. The primary focus has to be on support for the workforce and the supply chain but I am pleased that everyone also recognises the need to address the impact the closure will have on local communities and the need to create alternative employment opportunities for the longer term.” Hugh Finlay, generation director at ScottishPower, said, "We are already speaking directly to every member of the team at Longannet and our priority is to find the best outcomes for everyone affected by the closure of the station. The meeting today was constructive, and we are confident that the taskforce will have an important role to play going forward."

Taskforce member and local MP, Douglas Chapman, said on leaving the meeting, “We cannot under-estimate the implications of this dreadful and unavoidable closure of a power plant the country needs. There is much hard work ahead of us to ensure that all 236 Scottish Power employees and the hundreds of other workers who are engaged in supporting Longannet through the supply chain can find other employment, suitable training courses or can be encouraged to investigate other opportunities.

"I was encouraged by the agencies who attended, such as Scottish Enterprise, who are already hard at work in preparation for next year’s closure. Until then, and ironically enough, all employees will be required to keep the plant operational and safe as Longannet was expected to be 'going at full tilt' and producing power right though to April 2016.

“The UK Government’s energy policy of charging Scottish electricity producers more to access the National Grid and their pricing regime lies at the heart of Longannet’s closure. I was disappointed the UK Government did not have a representative at the meeting, however I’ve secured an agreement that they will be summoned to appear before the Taskforce if we think it appropriate at any future stage.”