An investigation has been launched into the cause of a chemical leak at a Fife distillery.
Drinks giant Diageo said all recommendations for improvement would be acted upon following the incident at its Cameronbridge site near Windygates on Monday.
Ten thousand litres of nitric acid spilled from a 28,000-litre tank at around 5.30am, prompting a complete evacuation of the plant.
No one was injured but production was stopped for most of the day as a clean-up operation swung into action, and local residents were warned to keep doors and windows closed as a precaution.
The Health and Safety Executive and Scottish Environment Protection Agency were notified, although Diageo said the spillage had been contained and had had no environmental impact.
A spokeswoman for the HSE said they were aware of the incident and were making initial inquiries.
This was Cameronbridge’s second large spillage of the corrosive chemical which is widely used in the food and beverage industry and is explosive if it comes into contact with water in two years.
Local councillors expressed concern at the latest leak but said they were confident Diageo had adequate procedures in place to ensure employee and public safety.
David Alexander, chairman of Fife Council’s Levenmouth area committee, said the company held community meetings every few months and added: “I have absolutely no doubt they will give the community a clear idea of why it happened and an assurance it won’t happen again.
“They don’t hide anything. They now have experience of two occasions and I’m sure that will be enough to ensure it doesn’t happen again.”
A specialist contractor from Glasgow was brought in to pump out the acid and three fire engines were sent from Methil and Kirkcaldy, along with a decontamination unit.
An ambulance was also on standby until the all-clear was given.
Production restarted on Monday evening and the 20 employees and contractors who were evacuated returned to work on Tuesday.
The company said: “Following the incident at Cameronbridge Distillery in Fife on Monday morning, we can confirm that the safe removal and clean-up operation of the chemical spillage is well under way.
“The safety of our employees and local residents has been our priority and the emergency services, Diageo staff and our contractors all worked effectively to contain the spillage.”