The Grangemouth refinery, a cornerstone of Scotland’s industrial landscape for a century, has ceased processing crude oil, marking the end of an era for the nation’s energy sector. Opened by BP in 1924, the refinery expanded into petrochemical production in the 1950s and has long been vital to both local and national fuel supply.
For decades, Grangemouth was the principal provider of aviation fuel for Scotland’s main airports and a major source of petrol and diesel for the Central Belt. At the time of its closure announcement, the facility accounted for roughly 14% of the UK’s total refining capacity and supplied nearly two-thirds (65%) of Scotland’s refined oil products.
As reported on BBC, ownership of the sprawling site changed hands in 2005, when Ineos took control, making it the largest industrial complex in Scotland. The refinery itself has been managed by Petroineos, a joint venture between Ineos and PetroChina.
The impact of the closure is significant for the workforce and the wider economy. Approximately 1,500 people are employed at Grangemouth, with around 500 involved in operations linked to the Forties pipeline-responsible for transporting 300,000 barrels of crude oil daily from 85 North Sea fields-and about 1,000 working at the adjacent Ineos-operated petrochemical plant.
Iain Hardie, Petoineos, regional head of legal and external affairs, commented: “Petroineos has invested £50m 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.”
Grangemouth’s legacy as a powerhouse of Scottish industry is undeniable, but its closure reflects broader changes in the UK’s energy landscape and the global shift away from fossil fuels.
The site’s future now rests on how its vast infrastructure and skilled workforce will adapt to new industrial and environmental challenges.
