A CONTROLLED explosion has been carried out at Longannet Power Station as part of its ongoing decommissioning.

Scottish Power destroyed a steel 'precipitator' structure earlier this morning (Thursday) as the full demolition programme at Longannet continues.

The power station, near Kincardine, closed in March 2016 with the loss of 230 jobs, and today saw its 6,350 tonne steel structure brought to the ground.

The removal of the steel structure was managed by Scottish Power’s contractor Brown and Mason (BAM), and the controlled explosive demolition took place at 11am.

Richard Cook, Project Manager at Scottish Power said: “Decommissioning work at Longannet has been progressing well, and the focus up until now has been on removing internal plant and equipment from the turbine hall. Working with Brown and Mason it was determined that the most effective way to demolish the steel precipitator structure was by controlled explosion.

“Local residents were notified, and the event went according to plan. As the work progresses we will ensure that the local community is kept updated on the work that is being carried out.”