SCOTLAND'S First Minister has promised to look into job fears surrounding the decision to take Hunterston offline two years early.

Four west of Scotland politicians from the major parties say the early closure will have a huge impact on the area going forward.

Calls have been made for the Scottish Government and North Ayrshire Council to create a plan for the workforce and this Nicola Sturgeon said the government is committed to creating new employment locally.

Conservative MSP Jamie Greene says the impact of the decommissioning will be huge and insists local people will need extra support.

He said: “The decision to begin decommissioning is undoubtedly necessary because of the facility's age but we shouldn’t underestimate the massive impact this will have on North Ayrshire’s economy.

“This is a major source of low carbon energy going offline that will have consequences for Scotland’s net zero emission ambitions.

“It is therefore reasonable to expect the government to bring forward a plan outlining how it will replace this energy source and ensure the plant’s existing workforce are transitioned into suitable employment following its closure.”

Kenneth Gibson, the SNP MSP for the area, says work needs to be done quickly to support jobs and that officials must look towards a green future.

He said: “The decision should encourage the Scottish and UK Governments to work in partnership with the council to deliver the economic transition of the area with a greater sense of urgency.

“Whilst defuelling will mean no immediate job losses, investment locally in green, clean energy is now the priority.”

Labour’s Neil Bibby says North Ayrshire is already an jobless hotspot.

He added: “The reactor will be de-commissioned from 2022, which means the loss of skilled jobs in an area recording the highest unemployment levels in Scotland.

“The de-commissioning of Hunterston B will not come as a surprise but it will still present major challenges to North Ayrshire and to Scotland.

“It is deeply concerning that right now the Scottish Government seem to have no credible plan for what happens next for low carbon jobs and the economy.”

Green MSP Ross Greer added: “The complex work of shutting down will provide jobs for the workforce for years, but it’s vital that work on a transition plan for the Ayrshire economy starts now.

“I’ve pushed the Scottish Government for years to develop this plan, given we all knew the plant’s life was coming to an end.

“It’s essential that both governments put in the effort to ensure another community in the West of Scotland isn’t abandoned when a major employer closes.”

Speaking at First Ministers Questions, Nicola Sturgeon remained positive when asked about the future of the site and jobs in the area.

She said: “The decommissioning of Hunterston B power station raises challenges, but it also raises opportunities in relation to our energy mix and community and economic regeneration.

“It is important that we work collaboratively to seize those opportunities. There is a real relevance here to the just transition approach that we are taking.

“We look forward to working with all partners to ensure that decommissioning is done properly and in a way that has employment and the interests of local communities very much at its heart.”