Safety concerns have been raised with the 'News' regarding the axing of security staff at PeelPorts Hunterston's coal terminal.
The 'News' has been informed that three licensed guards who work at the gatehouse entry point are to be made redundant at the end of this month, sparking concerns about the registration of comings and goings at the site, trespassing, and other duties.
Peel Ports Group, the owners and operators of the Hunterston Coal Terminal, has been downsizing following the closure of the Longannet coal-fired power station, but fears have been raised with the 'News' that losing the licensed guards at the site is a cost-cutting measure too far.
One employee, who refused to be named, said: "This is a port, and you have visiting lorries, and boats still come to the port, and the plan is to put a gate across where the current gatehouse is.
"We are away at the end of the month, so who is going to check all the sailors who arrive, and all the passport papers. Who is monitoring the vehicles going down to the boats? - we register every person and vehicle that comes in and out of the port.
"The grounds will be open to anyone and everyone, and it could be a brand new playground for local kids - there is a major safety factor there.
"The whole site is supposed to be securely fenced, but it isn't in some areas, and you step over some of the fence. I have fears that people will go in and get hurt." 
He added that times had changed at the site, and it used to be 'non-stop' in terms of vehicle arrivals: "Given it is a port, I am surprised it doesn't have a requirement to have licensed guards on site.
"Last year, when there was the fire at the Clydeport terminal, we dealt with all the emergency vehicles coming on site. What will happen now if a similar situation was to ever occur?"
The overall site includes a mile long jetty capable of handling the world's largest bulk vessels and the stockyard extends to 120 acres.
At present, the site is being heavily marketed by owners Peel Ports, who said: "We are unable to comment on matters relating to security."
And an industry insider told the 'News': "It wouldn't be acceptable if it was a busy port, but that is not now the case - it is a closed facility with bits of wood lying around.
"All coal imports have ceased and the boat you see loading just now taking the balance of stocks out to the power station in Northern Ireland. Presumably when all the coal has gone the gates will be shut.
"You don't keep the whole site up and running for very small tonnages - it is just not economic. If Fergusson want to bring in the occasional cargo presumably arrangements would be made to allow that to happen.
"Essentially nothing is happening at the current time at Hunterston and you don't really need to have a person or persons on a gate, as long as it is properly secured."
PeelPorts have already been in discussion with a number of organisations, including Scottish Enterprise, 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 and offshore decommissioning.