Grangemouth closure a devastating blow for community
All parties and both governments must work together to ensure a future for Grangemouth, says Scottish Green MSP Gillian Mackay, who grew up only 200 yards from the refinery.
Ms Mackay's comments follow confirmation that the site will close next summer.
Ms Mackay has met with local workers and trade union representatives and called for a fair and just transition for the site.
Ms Mackay said:
“Today's announcement is a brutal blow for Scotland, but particularly for the community I grew up in and workers who I know well.
“All of us in the town know somebody who is employed directly or indirectly by the refinery. They’re the ones now suffering. A lot of people will be devastated, angry and extremely worried about what will happen next. I am too, I feel the same.
“This is the opposite of the just transition that is needed for the site and for Grangemouth. We have known for a long time that change is needed. Lessons have not been learned from other closures like Longannet.
"Successive Scottish and UK Governments should have taken action to provide a transition that put workers first. Grangemouth is now paying the price of that inaction.
“The workers at the site are some of the most talented and skilled anywhere in our country. They deserve so much better than the appalling way they have been treated by INEOS.
“We can't allow local workers or their families to be left behind at the whim of a billionaire. If Jim Ratcliffe had any concern for the wellbeing of the community, he would be in Grangemouth today looking the workers directly in the eye.
“It is urgent that the UK and Scottish governments work together to secure local jobs and a long-term future for the site and the community.”