LOCAL politicians have pushed the Scottish Government on its plans to protect jobs at Hunterston and generate new investment in the site.

SNP representative Kenneth Gibson recently questioned First Minister Nicola Sturgeon on the support that the area would receive following the decommissioning of the site.

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

“It is important we work collaboratively to seize these opportunities.”

Now the West of Scotland MSP has asked ministers what steps have been taken to move the issue forward and attract new investment in Hunterston and the surrounding area.

Ivan McKee, Minister for Trade, Investment and Innovation, says work is ongoing to employment opportunity.

He said: “Mr Gibson is right to highlight Hunterston, which offers exactly the sort of opportunity that we envisage for the new plan in helping to shape Scotland’s economy.

“We are all aware of the huge potential in renewable energy resource, which is why energy transition is one of the nine opportunity areas identified in the plan.

“We will therefore work specifically to attract inward investment in that area, which will benefit Hunterston with the aim of creating high-value jobs and prosperity for North Ayrshire.”

West of Scotland MSP Ross Greer has also called on the government to a body to help secure jobs in other industries.

He said: “I asked the Scottish Government a straightforward question, will a Future Industry Board be established for Hunterston?

“In response, the Energy Minister dodged the question completely. If this is the Scottish Government’s approach to a jobs transition for Hunterston, they are badly letting down Ayrshire.

“While Grangemouth will get a transition plan driven by the local community and trade unions, it looks like the ‘plan’ for Hunterston goes no further than the backroom deals that define the Ayrshire Growth Deal.”