A Controlled Explosive Demolition is to be carried out at Cockenzie Power Station next week, ScottishPower has confirmed.

The project will see two steel towers – located at the coal handling plant adjacent to the power stations – razed to the ground by means of a controlled explosion.

The structures weigh around 120 tonnes, with the 'Coalfield Unloading Hopper' around 22 metres in height, and 'Coal Tower 2' being around 25 metres high.


The demolition will take place on Tuesday 3 March at 2pm.

In a statement, ScottishPower said following discussions with police, no road closures will be needed for the event, which will be managed by contractor Brown and Mason. In addition, no suitable viewing areas for the event are available due to tree cover and the proximity of earth embankments to the structures.

George Camps, ScottishPower Project Manager, said: "This is the tenth controlled explosive demolition event that we have managed at Cockenzie, and again we have worked closely with the Police and East Lothian Council to put plans in place.

"During the demolition programme we have worked hard to ensure that our activities on site have as little impact as possible on the surrounding area."

(JP/MH)