Swinney denies lack of action over Grangemouth closure

First Minister John Swinney has denied there has been a lack of action by the Scottish government over the closure of the Grangemouth oil refinery.

Petroineos confirmed on Thursday that the 100-year-old refinery would close - with the loss of 400 jobs - after announcing its intentions in November.

The BBC put to Swinney that there had been ten months to prepare, but he said the decision had come far too early.

Union leaders had hoped the facility could remain open longer to provide time for a green alternative to be established at the site.

Challenged on why there was no clear plan for the site and workforce, Swinney pointed to the feasibility study Project Willow.

This study is looking at options to build a new long-term industry at the site supported by £100m in funding.

But a source close to Petroineos previously said that even if such plans were viable, they would not come in time to save the jobs that are expected to be lost.