Grangemouth refinery is a ‘victim of industrial vandalism and devastation’ amid the closure

Grangemouth refinery based in Scotland has now stopped processing crude oil, the owner Petroineos has announced.

Grangemouth refinery opened in 1924 and in September 2024 the company said that last oil refinery operating in Scotland will close in 2025, this will lead to large scale unemployment in the area.

Iain Hardie, regional head of legal and external affairs, said, “Grangemouth refinery is no longer processing crude oil.

“Petroineos has invested £50 million in creating a modern import and distribution terminal capable of receiving finished fuels by sea for onward distribution to customers around the country.

“From today, we will be importing all the products necessary to meet Scotland’s demand for transport fuels.”

He continued: “We would like to pay tribute to the workforce here.

“Our colleagues have shown incredible commitment, dignity and resilience during months of uncertainty regarding the future of this facility, through the consultation period, phased shutdown and the start of refinery decommissioning.”

First Minister John Swinney said, “The end of refining at Grangemouth is a very sad day for Scotland.

“This news is very damaging for workers and everyone in the area.

“The Scottish Government will work to secure a future for the Grangemouth community and agreement to the Acorn Carbon Capture project is essential.”

Brian Leishman, the Labour MP for Alloa and Grangemouth, said, “Today is the end of over a century of refining at Grangemouth.

“Scotland once again is a victim of industrial vandalism and devastation, and I don’t want anyone in this chamber to dare mention a ‘just transition’, because we all know that the Conservatives when in power and the SNP currently in Holyrood did nothing to avert this catastrophic decision happening”.

Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said, “Grangemouth has a really important role in Scotland.

“What I would say to him and to others is this Government, as soon as it saw the situation it inherited, put money in to help the workers and has made this huge investment commitment of £200 million working hand-in-glove with the Scottish Government so we absolutely build a future in Grangemouth.”