Methil power station that inspired Jack Vettriano classic comes crashing down

Published on Wednesday 20 April 2011 18:53

ITS massive silhouette dominated the east Fife skyline for nearly 50 years, becoming a landmark immortalised in paintings by a Scots artist who grew up in its shadow.

• Long Time Gone

But yesterday, the iconic Methil power station, situated on the edge of the River Leven, was no more, after explosives demolished its main structure and sent it crashing to the ground.

Artist Jack Vettriano, who featured the power station as a backdrop to two of his paintings - Long Time Gone and Long Time Gone II - said pivotal moments in people's lives were played out in its shadow.

But the thousands of spectators who gathered yesterday afternoon to watch it had their view marred by haar.

Only the towering 300ft chimney stack was left standing, but it too is due to be removed in a few months' time.

The power station, which became operational in 1965, provided more than 1,000 jobs and generated electricity for more than 3.5 million homes before closing in 2000.

Jock Logie, 82, from Methil, who worked as a plant attendant at the power station for ten years, watched the demolition.

"I felt rather sad to see it go. It was the end of an era. it has been a real landmark, and Vettriano has made paintings of it which are all over the world and he's from a family in Methil."

• All life was played out in its shadow … first bike rides, first kiss

Farhan Latif, 26, who runs the Premier One Stop shop in Methil, said: "The older generation who come into my shop say they will miss it. But it's been shut down for years and the security to look after it has been using up taxpayers' money."

A spokesman for Scottish Power, said: "It all went according to plan. This was a big undertaking involving months of preparation in the lead-up to it.

"A team of explosive experts assessed the site and compiled vibration reports. The metal within the structure was pre-weakened by heat in the weeks leading up to today to make sure it came down easily."

The site, which was leased to ScottishPower, will be returned to its owner, Forth Ports, next year. Development possibilities being discussed by Fife Council include a renewable energy project, and a hotel and marina.

Robin Presswood, service manager, business and strategy for Fife Council, said: "This is an exciting time for the regeneration of Levenmouth and provides a great opportunity for the key sectors that Fife is targeting, including leisure and tourism or renewable energy."