Steps are being taken to shield the economy of Fife and central Scotland from the likely loss of the country’s only remaining coal-fired power station.
There are calls for a task force to be set up to mitigate the impact of the anticipated closure of Longannet Power Station, near Kincardine, in March next year.
Moves towards its formation will be made at a meeting between Fife Council, Scottish Government minister Fergus Ewing and Scottish Power next month.
While options for saving the plant will be discussed, the meeting on May 20 will also look at how to lessen the blow for employees, plant suppliers and the local and wider economy.
It is estimated up to 1,000 jobs could be lost with the station, which is no longer cost-effective for Scottish Power to run due to the high cost of connecting to the National Grid.
Council leader David Ross said positive talks were held with Energy Minister Mr Ewing about a task force. He said: “Our initial assessment is that up to 1,000 jobs could be lost, both directly and indirectly.
“Something like 1,000 jobs is a significant impact and it is a worrying prospect for the local area, particularly Kincardine and the surrounding villages.”
A Scottish Government spokesman said: “Energy Minister Fergus Ewing has also met with the STUC (Scottish Trades Union Congress) and representatives of the Longannet workforce to discuss the situation and will meet with Fife Council on May 20.”
A Scottish Power spokesman said: “Following the recent decision by National Grid not to award Longannet a contract for balancing services, we stated that in all likelihood we will unfortunately be forced to announce the closure of Longannet.
“Since the announcement we have been working closely with the team at Longannet and with trade unions to consider all the implications.
“Beyond this, we are also working with Fife Council and the Scottish Government as part of the new task force, and we will be taking part in the meeting with the minister.”