A total of 60-65 job losses are expected at Hunterston coal terminal, it was revealed during a Fairlie Council meeting this week.

The information was reported following a community liaison event held between owners Peel Ports, and representatives of the village.

PeelPorts have stated that a consultationexercise with the site’s 95 staff is under way, following the recent news that the Longannet coal-fired power station is to close next year.

This week, MP Patricia Gibson will be meeting employee and management representatives to discuss the future of the Clydeport facility, potential redundancies and alternative uses of the terminal.

At the Scottish Parliament, MSP Kenneth Gibson asked Energy Minister Fergus Ewing a question ‘in expectation of significant redundancies’ at the Hunterston terminal.

Mr Gibson asked: “Will the Scottish Government and its agencies work with Peel Ports Group to explore alternative uses for the terminal, which is suitable for the import and export of a wide range of bulk solids and liquid products as well as offshore decommissioning?

“While he is exploring all the available options to minimise the number of redundancies, will he ensure that Partnership Action for Continuing Employment (PACE) is available to assist any Hunterston employee who is threatened with redundancy?” Mr Ewing responded: “We have, of course, offered PACE support to Peel Ports Group in respect of the impact that the closure next year of Longannet power station is expected to have on it.” “I can also say that its representative attended the task force meeting and the round-table supply-chain meeting, so we are already working closely with Peel Ports."

Full story in this week's Largs News.