First Minister Alex Salmond has commented on Ineos' decision to temporarily shut Grangemouth refinery and petro-chemical plant.

In a statement, Mr Salmond said: "The Scottish Government will continue to assist with talks and impress the importance of a resolution upon both management and Unite. Grangemouth has a long-term future as a successful petrochemical site in Scotland but this will only be possible if underlying issues with management and unions are resolved.

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"Governments themselves cannot force of compel agreement between unions and management – they have to do that for themselves. We can impress upon both sides the importance of this facility to Scotland, and that is what we will continue to do.

"As things stand, there is no threat to fuel distribution or the Forties pipeline. But what is important – and what now is at stake – is the future of Grangemouth as a chemical complex and a refinery in Scotland, and that can only be brought about by investment in the plant.

"The Scottish Government is happy to assist with such as investment package, but before that can happen there needs to be goodwill on both sides between management and the unions."

Earlier this week, Ineos said Grangemouth is "financially distressed" and it needs to reduce its costs.

(JP/IT)