The past two days, during topical and general questions in the Scottish Parliament , I have questioned the Energy Minister Fergus Ewing on the liquidation of Scottish Coal. Administrators Blaire Nimmo and Tony Friar have so far laid off 590 workers across Scotland including 18 of the 28 jobs at St Ninian’s at Kelty.

The news of Scottish Coal’s liquidation comes after St Ninians gained permission to extract a further 70,000 tonnes of coal from the site near Kelty. We have seen this week, in the report from Coalfields Regeneration Trust,that in Scotland deprivation is higher in coalfield areas than non-coalfield areas. Scottish Coal’s liquidation will, sadly, only add to that.

I called for support to those who face the threat of redundancy, whilst highlighting concerns about the restoration of site at St Ninian’s and the completion of the land arts project that is taking place there. I also asked if the Minister can assure restorations bonds held by Local Counils will be honoured despite liquidation.

In answer to the question the Minister spoke of his desire to work with opposition parties and outside organisations however stated that the existing companies – including Scottish Coal – have the primary responsibilities to fulfil.

The pressures placed on families and their communities on the back of Scottish Coal going into liquidation will be substantial and it is important that MSPs work together to ensure a solution can be found.

Whilst I welcome the Ministers comments on local communities and restoration there is no denying that Scottish Coal going into liquidation is a huge blow for Fife and Kelty in particular.

I will be monitoring this situation as it develops and continue to raise any issues that may arise with the Minister. It is important that we emerge from the other side with job opportunities and confidence in the opencast restoration process.