DUNFERMLINE MP Thomas Docherty has urged Scottish Power and the National Grid to "get back round the table" after talks over the future of Longannet Power Station stalled.

Scottish Power revealed last year that it would not submit Longannet into the UK Government’s auction to supply electricity generating capacity for the winter of 2018-19.

The cost of connecting to the National Grid and sending the electricity to the main centres of demand and generation – the UK’s most densely populated areas in London and the south-east of England - increases based on the distance that the station is from these areas.

As a result, the Kincardine coal-fired station pays far more than plants in the south of England, with Scottish Power CEO Neil Clitheroe warning tha to "reach the 2018 delivery year, Longannet needs to pay over £120 million in transmission penalties".

That has sparked fears that the plant, which employs 260 workers, could shut earlier than planned and Mr Docherty said, This is obviously a very worrying time for the Station’s workforce and their families. Longannet is the largest single employer at the western end of West Fife and the early cessation of generation would clearly have a huge impact on Kincardine and the surrounding villages. I have been in contact with Scottish Power and the National Grid and have urged them to get back round the table. I am also in dialogue with the UK Government to make sure no stone is left unturned.” We will have more on this story in Thursday's Dunfermline Press.