Scotland's final coal-fired production facility has closed the last of its four generating units today, 24 March.

Longannet Power Station in Fife generated its last megawatt at 3pm when the final unit was 'desynchronised', marking the end of coal-fired electricity production in the country.

Built over eight years, the facility was the largest of its kind in Europe when it became operational in 1969.

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At its peak, Longannet was capable of producing 2,400 megawatts (MW) of electricity and powered over two million homes on average every year.

Hugh Finlay, Generation Director at ScottishPower, said: "Longannet has contributed more electricity for the national grid than any other power station in Scotland's history, and it is a sad day for everyone at ScottishPower.

"Coal has long been the dominant force in Scotland's electricity generation fleet, but the closure of Longannet signals the end of an era. For the first time in more than a century no power produced in Scotland will come from burning coal."

No decisions have been taken on the future of the Longannet site, but ScottishPower expects to outline its plans before the end of the year.

(LM/JP)