The future of Grangemouth has returned to the centre of Scotland’s energy debate after the UK Government announced a £219 million sustainable aviation fuel fund.
The funding has been hailed by ministers as the next chapter in Britain’s green aviation revolution, but critics argue it comes after the closure of Scotland’s only oil refinery and raises fresh questions about the future of Grangemouth.
Before its closure last year, the refinery produced aviation fuel used across Scotland and supported hundreds of skilled jobs.
Its loss left Scotland increasingly reliant on imported fuel and fuelled concerns about the country’s long term energy security.
Now Falkirk East and Linlithgow MSP Martyn Day has called on the UK Government to direct the funding towards Grangemouth, arguing the site should play a leading role in the future of aviation fuel production.
He said:
“Despite all their election promises, the Labour Party didn’t lift a finger to save Scotland’s only refinery at Grangemouth which produced jet fuel for all of Scotland.
“Now we are left with the absurd situation where Scotland, a country with an abundance of energy resources is left to rely on jet fuel from overseas.
“Just last weekend we saw the impact of this with Scottish flights delayed due to fuel shortages, the blame lies directly at the doors of Westminster.
“Quite frankly, this new fund is a kick in the teeth to Grangemouth workers and reflects just how little the Westminster parties care about Scotland’s energy workers.
“Through a fresh start with independence we can free of these apologists to the Westminster system and use our vast energy wealth to back our key industries and build a wealthier Scotland anew.”
The comments come as debate continues over the future of the Grangemouth site and the role it could play in Scotland’s industrial and energy future.
With hundreds of millions of pounds now being earmarked for sustainable aviation fuel, pressure is likely to grow over where that investment should be made and who stands to benefit from it.
