Community being “squeezed out” in deciding the future of Mossmorran
The Scottish Greens have raised concerns that communities surrounding Mossmorran are being “squeezed out” of decision-making for the future of the site.
Production at the Mossmorran chemical works ceased in February after ExxonMobil closed the multi-billion-pound facility ahead of schedule, bringing operations to an abrupt end. Last year, the energy giant was fined £176,000 after pleading guilty to flaring emission breaches at Mossmorran.
The closure affected more than 400 staff, and ExxonMobil said it expects to take until 2028 to fully decommission the site.
Defence contractor TBG International Limited has now proposed converting the former chemical plant into a factory that produces weapons components.
Mark Ruskell, Scottish Green MSP for Mid Scotland and Fife, has raised concerns following the announcement that communities are being left out of the decision-making process.
In March, the Scottish Government pledged £9 million to support the workforce over three years to secure a long-term future of the site, with the UK Government announcing an additional £9 million investment days later.
Scottish Green MSP for Mid Scotland and Fife Mark Ruskell said:
“Communities surrounding Mossmorran are fed up with being treated as an afterthought.
“There have been rumours of a proposed munitions factory for some time, but too many conversations are happening behind closed doors between investors and agencies – the community is being squeezed out.
“Both the Scottish and Westminster Governments have pledged multi-million-pound funds to help transition the Mossmorran site, but I’m concerned these will just end up being subsidies to munitions companies or hyperscale data centres to encourage them to locate there.
“The surrounding communities benefited from jobs at Mossmorran, but they also carried a heavy burden from decades of disruption, flaring, and pollution.
“They deserve a fresh start and a positive legacy from ExxonMobil’s withdrawal – but so far there has been very little consideration about what the community actually wants to see come onto the site.”
Mark added:
“Scant information has been provided at the Mossmorran Task Force chaired by Fife Council, and ExxonMobil seems intent on walking away with as few financial liabilities as they can.
“This needs to be a just transition for the community. That can only happen if local people are fully involved at the outset and so far that is not happening.
“I urge Fife Council to engage fully with the local community before any further negotiations about the future of Mossmorran take place.”