A RECEPTION was held at the Scottish Parliament on Wednesday as local stakeholders and potential partners heard of Talgo's plans for Longannet.

The Spanish firm is set to build a train manufacturing plant at the former power station site as part of £40 million investment plans which, once implemented, will create 1,000 jobs on site with many thousands more created or protected in the supply chain.

Dunfermline MSP Shirley-Anne Somerville hosted the Holyrood event after a high-speed train coach made its way to Kincardine during yesterday morning and afternoon.

She said: "Talgo have already shown fantastic commitment to Kincardine and the surrounding area by choosing the former Longannet site as their UK manufacturing base.

“This recognises the area’s past industrial prowess, as Talgo looks to build a highly-skilled workforce that will help deliver their state-of-the-art trains.

“Giving Kincardine residents the opportunity to see for themselves the product that will be manufactured locally and engage directly with the Talgo UK team further strengthens the commitment and community relationships being forged."

Talgo is currently on the shortlist to provide trains for the HS2 railway project, a contract worth £2.7 billion.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced on Tuesday last week that the controversial project would go ahead with the first phase to be completed by 2028-31.

Jon Veitch, managing director of Talgo UK, said: "HS2 is one of a number of projects around the world in which Talgo has an interest and which could trigger the Longannet facility.

"We have been universally welcomed in the UK by commerce, industry, educational and trades unions, and have the fullest cross-party political support which we are truly grateful for."