WORKERS from Grangemouth refinery marched on Holyrood as they demanded the plant remains operating.
The march saw hundreds of workers descend on Edinburgh as they fight to keep Scotland’s last oil refinery open.
Owners Petroineos announced that the refinery will close in the second quarter of 2025, with around 400 jobs estimated to be lost.
A mix of trade unions, workers and supporters came together to march down the Royal Mile towards the Scottish Parliament during the Keep Grangemouth Working rally.
The march was attended by Brian Leishman, MP for Alloa and Grangemouth, who had been very outspoken on keeping the refinery open during his election campaign.
READ MORE: Petroineos announce closure of Grangemouth refinery
He said: “There is an alternative for a bright future for the refinery but we must seize the opportunity now.
“The UK and Scottish Governments must at least take a transitional stake in the future of Grangemouth, the only facility of its kind in Scotland, which is responsible for 14 per cent of the UK’s overall refining capacity.
“We are talking about saving jobs, retaining highly-skilled workers, avoiding devastation to the local economy as well as energy, and therefore national, security here.”
The march was suggested after Unite produced a detailed plan, demonstrating that the refinery can be converted into a sustainable aviation fuel facility before becoming a bio-fuels outlet.
This is due to be shared with both governments in a bid to save the refinery and keep workers in jobs.
Sharon Grahan, general secretary for Unite, added: “To throw highly skilled workers at Grangemouth on the scrapheap would be a monumental act of industrial vandalism.
“Grangemouth is essential to the success of the Scottish economy and politicians from all parties need to focus on finding a viable solution.
“Politicians from all sides need to come together and ensure a viable future for Grangemouth, not at some time in the distant future but here and now.
“A failure to act by either Westminster or Holyrood government will not be forgiven or forgotten.”
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