Bosses apologise for chemical plant flaring

Bosses at Mossmorran have apologised after days of “unplanned flaring” at the chemical plant sent a plume of thick black smoke billowing into the sky over Fife.

Exxonmobil UK blamed a “process interruption” for a 30ft high orange flame erupting from the ethylene plant near Cowdenbeath on Easter Sunday.

Residents reported they were unable to open their windows or sit outside in gardens on one of the hottest days of the year, while the flare was clearly visible across the Forth over the weekend.

It comes almost a year after Exxon and Shell UK - who jointly operate the plant - were served a final warning by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (Sepa) after previous burning incidents.

Exxon have since apologised to residents.