New funding for Grangemouth

New funding has been announced to secure investment and job opportunities in Grangemouth.

It's comes on the anniversary of the Project Willow report - which looked at the action needed for a long-term industrial future.

It's hoped 279 new jobs could be created in Grangemouth by 2029.

Climate action and energy secretary Gillian Martin said: “The action taken and investment committed by the Scottish Government in the last year alone is a clear demonstration of our commitment to securing a just transition for Grangemouth and ensuring the region remains at the heart of Scotland’s low-carbon industrial future.

“The Grangemouth Jobs Prioritisation Scheme – developed in partnership with Unite – is helping workers secure new opportunities and ensuring that their vital experience, skills and knowledge are not lost to Grangemouth or to Scotland. This is a just transition in action.”

Unite Scottish secretary, Susan Fitzgerald said: “The Grangemouth jobs scheme was initiated by the workers at the refinery who were impacted by the devastating impact of its closure due to a failure to keep it open. Unite said we would leave no stone unturned in the fight to protect workers and communities.

“We have continued to work tirelessly, which led to the establishment of the jobs scheme with Scottish government support. Workers who lost their jobs will be prioritised for new employment opportunities in the Grangemouth area as a condition for any company in receipt of public funds.

“The next phase of creating a brighter future for Grangemouth has to ensure no workers or communities are left behind. Unite will play its full role in delivering on this.”