Scotland’s Final Oil Refiner: Grangemouth Shuts Its Doors
In a surprise move that’s leaving many in the Highlands and Lowlands with more questions than answers, Petroineos has officially stopped processing crude oil at the historic Grangemouth refinery. Having been a ground‑breaker since 1924, this plant was set to be Scotland’s last remaining refinery—until now.
What’s the Deal?
From the moment they decided to stop refining, the company kicked off a £50 million upgrade plan, turning the refinery into a state‑of‑the‑art import & distribution terminal. The new hub is primed to bring in finished fuels by sea and forward them to customers across the whole country.
- They’ll now make all the with‑am–renti in bags it takes for Scots cars, buses and fleets.
- Petroineos plans to shut down the oil lines and focus on the logistics side.
- The change aims to keep the local economy afloat by alienating a big transfer of cranes, pompous pipes and an old‑timer refinery smell.
Staff and Community Voices
Iain Hardie, the legal and external affairs head, spoke plainly: “Grangemouth is no longer processing crude.”
He added a sweet, almost comforting note: “We want to thank our workforce for their tenacity, dignity and sheer resilience through months of uncertainty. It’s been a roller‑coaster of plans, closures and the start of decommissioning.”
Political Reactions: A Sound Bite of Grief
- John Swinney called the refinery’s shutdown a “very sad day for Scotland” and warned of the devastating impact for local workers.
- Brian Leishman, the Labour MP for Alloa and Grangemouth, lamented, “Today is the end of over a century of refining at Grangemouth. It’s a rip in our industrial fabric.”
- Energy Secretary Ed Miliband announced a £200 million partnership to support workers and help build a sustainable future in Grangemouth.
Each comment underscored a common thread of loss: not just the physical plant, but the nostalgia of an entire generation’s industrial hustle.
What Comes Next?
Scotland’s government is scrambling to secure a new path forward. The Acorn Carbon Capture project has been singled out as a possible lifeline. In the meantime, community leaders look to the future as an open, new chapter—by putting faith in new jobs, green initiatives, and—perhaps—in repurposing historic sites.
Grangemouth may be shutting down its oil lines, but the story is far from over. Stay tuned: there’s more unfolding in the Highlands, where the echoes of the refinery now feed into a fresh, greener narrative.
