Government considering inquiry into Mossmorran plant’s future

Nicola Sturgeon has pledged to consider an independent inquiry into the future of the Mossmorran plant in Fife following more than 5,000 complaints.

An investigation has been launched after the latest flaring incident at the petrochemical complex, in the early hours of Sunday morning, saw horrified homeowners waking up to the sound of loud rumbling and flames filling the sky.

Operator ExxonMobil has apologised and blamed the disturbance on a machine fault.

A probe by watchdog Sepa confirmed there was a community noise impact but said there had been no breach of air quality standards.

Sepa also submitted a report to the Crown Office earlier this year seeking a prosecution over prolonged flaring in April 2019. The agency received more than 900 complaints – the most ever taken by its pollution hotline – in relation to the episode.

Ms Sturgeon was challenged on the issue yesterday as it was revealed the number of people writing to Environment Secretary Roseanna Cunningham calling for an independent probe had reached 5,565.

Ms Sturgeon said she could “absolutely understand their views of frustration and anger” and her government is willing to look at all options, including holding an independent inquiry.

But she was also challenged from within her own party, with Cowdenbeath MSP Annabelle Ewing saying the flaring had resulted in “over 56 hours of hell for my constituents”.

The flaring and loud rumbling woke up householders.