Good neighbour status a long way off

It is far from unreasonable for householders to expect peace and quiet in the comfort of their own homes. But residents faced severe disruption this week as operations resumed at Fife Ethylene Plant.

Gas flaring from Mossmorran’s flare tip set the night sky aglow and led to fears a fire had broken out at the facility.

Site operator ExxonMobil took to social media to quash rumours of a blaze, saying the flaring was safe and controlled and apologising for any inconvenience.

But the environmental watchdog Sepa made it abundantly clear that Thursday night’s flaring episode was far beyond what had been expected in advance.

The irony was not lost that Mossmorran was shut-in last year after concerns about repeated flaring episodes.

Last autumn, ExxonMobil pledged £140 million of investment to modernise the facility and reduce negative impacts on the community in which it is located.

But the proof of the pudding is in the eating and the first bite of the new regime at Mossmorran has left a sour taste.

The plant is a key piece of Scotland’s industrial infrastructure and creates jobs and wealth.

It has in the past, and can again in the future, have a positive impact on the neighbouring community.

But ExxonMobil has to demonstrate that progress is being made in its quest to be a good neighbour.

Any repeat of Thursday night’s worrying episode will do nothing to improve confidence and community relations.