Time to exploit our coalfields

Sir, - The closures of Longannet and Cockenzie coal-fired power stations has taken some 3,600 megawatts out of Scotland’s generating capacity.

That is enough electricity to power three million homes and is not dependent on the wind blowing or the sun shining.

So we are in deep trouble and we will be lucky if all the proposed alternatives can meet our future additional requirements, far less this lost base-load capacity.

We have no real alternative other than to make an immediate start to building a replacement for Longannet and developing the six major coal mines to supply fuel.

There is a coalfield with eight seams stretching all the way from Kincardine to the Wallace Monument.

It contains varying qualities ranging from thermal to coking coals.

So we could not only power a new generating station, we could also export coking coal to a developing world.

The resulting 3,000 direct jobs (more in services) would provide an infinitely bigger boost to Central Fife’s economy than anything currently on offer. But there’s a snag: we would need mature and knowledgeable politicians with vision extending beyond their expense claims and retirement pay-offs. Jim Parker. Scottish Mineworkers’ Consortium, 9 Banchory Green, Collydean, Glenrothes.

We have no real alternative other that to make an immediate start to building a replacement for Longannet and developing the six major coal mines to supply the fuel