A TASKFORCE has met for the first time to begin drawing up plans to mitigate the economic fallout from the closure of a giant coal-fired power station in Fife next year.

Energy Minister Fergus Ewing was joined by councillors, trade union representatives, businesses and government agencies on Monday to discuss ways of supporting the communities and workers who will be hit by the closure of Longannet power station in March 2016.

Mr Ewing said: “The closure of Longannet next March will have far reaching impacts on the local and national economy. The Scottish Government and its agencies will do everything possible to support the hundreds of people and many businesses affected by the closure.

“Members of the taskforce today agreed to develop an Economic Recovery Plan to mitigate the effects of the closure. The Plan will support workers to find new jobs, mitigate the effects on the supply chain, produce a masterplan for the long term future of the Longannet site and consider how to create sustainable employment in the local area.

“That work will take a number of months to complete and I welcome the commitments made today by all parties to work closely together to address the issues constructively.”

The move comes after Scottish Power, who operate the plant, failed to win a crucial contract from National Grid. Around 270 people are employed at the Fife base.

Councillor David Ross, Leader of Fife Council, said: “This is a hugely disappointing situation but I am very encouraged by the positive attitude and commitment shown by all those attending today’s meeting to work together to mitigate the impact of the closure. The primary focus has to be on support for the workforce and the supply chain but I am pleased that everyone also recognises the need to address the impact the closure will have on local communities and the need to create alternative employment opportunities for the longer term.”

Hugh Finlay, Generation Director at ScottishPower, added: "We are already speaking directly to every member of the team at Longannet, and our priority is to find the best outcomes for everyone affected by the closure of the station. The meeting today was constructive, and we are confident that the taskforce will have an important role to play going forward."