Mossmorran Action Weekend: Scottish climate activists to set up two-day climate camp in protest against the Mossmorran plant

Activists say they are targeting Mossmorran as Scotland’s third largest polluter and they want the government to shut down the plant and bring forward plans for a ‘Just Transition’ to create green jobs for impacted workers.

The action follows campaigns by local residents, who have held weekly protests at the site gates, conducted detailed impact mapping of air and noise pollution from flaring, and submitted over 900 complaints about the environmental and health impacts of the plant.

Mossmorran Action Weekend Camp will host a programme of workshops, assemblies and performances, with full facilities provided by volunteers from Climate Camp Scotland.

On Sunday, participants will join local residents in a march to the site gates.

Jemma Kettlewell, a spokesperson for local campaign group Actions Speak Louder Than Words (ASLTW), said: "For communities living next to Mossmorran, the constant flaring is terrifying. It impacts on our mental and physical health.

"Residents have reported heightened anxiety, health impacts including itchy throats, asthma, headaches and migraines, and sleepless nights from light and noise pollution. The Scottish Government and SEPA have ignored local community concerns for too long. Now they must act."

Benji Brown, a spokesperson for Climate Camp Scotland (CCS), said: "From Germany to Madagascar, this year has witnessed record-breaking floods, fires, and heatwaves. Yet while the government pays lip service to the climate crisis, oil giants like Exxon and Shell get a free pass to carry on polluting.

" Polls show that two thirds of Scots want to wind down oil and gas extraction and invest in green industries. As Scotland prepares to host COP26, it's time to quit fossil fuels for good, and deliver on the promise of a Just Transition.’"

The group has capped camping at 90, with 140 attendees during the day at the camp to ensure safe social distancing.