**John Swinney Calls on Keir Starmer for Urgent Investment in Grangemouth’s Future**
In a bid to safeguard jobs at Scotland’s largest industrial site, John Swinney has urged Keir Starmer to expedite investment in Grangemouth. The SNP leader held a private meeting with the Prime Minister in Edinburgh, highlighting the critical need to bridge the gap between current and future activities at the site. This plea follows the recent announcement of the impending closure of oil refining operations at Grangemouth in spring 2025, leading to the loss of 400 jobs.
Swinney emphasised the importance of securing funding for the long-awaited Acorn carbon capture project, aimed at repurposing redundant gas pipelines to reduce harmful greenhouse gas emissions. Despite missing out on financial support from the UK Government twice, Swinney believes that the Acorn project could play a pivotal role in mitigating the impact of the refinery’s closure.
The First Minister stressed the urgency of advancing the Acorn project, stating that swift decision-making is crucial to creating new opportunities not only in Grangemouth but also across other parts of Scotland. He also mentioned the ongoing Project Willow, a study exploring options for establishing new industries at the site, with funds allocated by both the Scottish and UK Governments. However, concerns have been raised by the Unite union about the timeline of this project and its impact on the current workforce facing redundancy.
Following the summit in Edinburgh, both Swinney and Starmer expressed their commitment to driving investment in Scotland. Starmer highlighted the role of Great British Energy, a state-owned company headquartered in Aberdeen, in supporting economic growth and job security in the region. He reiterated his dedication to ensuring a brighter future for the people of Scotland through strategic investments in key industries.
Swinney remains focused on the imminent challenges facing Grangemouth and stressed the importance of collaborative efforts with the UK Government to expedite infrastructure projects like Acorn. By working together to address the transition period following the refinery’s closure, both leaders aim to pave the way for a sustainable and prosperous future for the region.
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This news article highlights the urgent call by John Swinney for investment in Grangemouth’s future to protect jobs and stimulate economic growth in the region. The collaborative efforts between the SNP leader and Keir Starmer underscore the importance of strategic investments in sustainable projects like the Acorn carbon capture initiative to secure a brighter future for Scotland.