NHS Fife convened a meeting with Health Protection Scotland, SEPA and Fife Council to agree an action plan in light of concerns over flaring at Mossmorran.

There have been a considerable number of complaints from the community following recent prolonged flaring from the complex, which is operated by Shell and Exxon Mobil.

SEPA has now launched an investigation and residents are discussing forming an Action Group to look at what has been happening.

Consultant in Public Health, Dr Chris McGuigan said: “We already know of at least one instance where emission of black smoke from flaring at Mossmorran exceeded the fifteen minute limit imposed as an operating condition and we are pleased that SEPA has committed to a full investigation, which will look at the causes of the incident and the steps being taken to ensure it does not happen again.

“We are also hearing people have been experiencing a range of symptoms which they relate to the flaring, such as breathing difficulties, irritated eyes and even disturbed sleep due to the noise accompanying the flaring".

Dr McGuigan added: “Clearly this is a distressing and worrying situation for the community and we would advise anyone experiencing symptoms that they believe may be related to the flaring to get help from the their local pharmacist, the NHS Inform website https://www.nhsinform.scot/ or NHS 24. Symptoms are likely to be short lived but if they persist arrange to see your GP.”

SEPA will liaise with the Mossmorran and Braefoot Bay Air Quality Review Group during their investigation, which is an independently chaired group consisting of representatives from NHS Fife, SEPA, Fife Council, the Institute of Occupational Medicine and other community representatives .