A NEW train factory and gas power station could restore an area of Scotland “decimated by Thatcher” to “national economic importance,” North Ayrshire’s Labour council leader Joe Cullinane said today.

The Hunterston site was originally an iron ore terminal port, and was used to import coal until 2016, when Longannet power station closed.

Now Peel Ports, the site’s owner, has announced a 20-year development plan including proposals for a train manufacturing plant, a liquid natural gas terminal, a combined cycle gas turbine power station and plastics recycling and storage.

Mr Cullinane, who is considered one of Britain’s most left-wing council leaders, said: “Ayrshire is a region with a rich industrial heritage but our industrial base was decimated by Thatcher. 

“As a 300-acre brownfield site, with a dry dock and existing rail and road links, Hunterston cannot only make a considerable contribution to the local and regional economy but it should be a site of national economic importance.”

Mr Cullinane told the Star that the site could “play a key role in any green industrial revolution,” and that “the innovative work being done by Peel Ports, the University of Strathclyde and Catapult on floating offshore wind could contribute massively to the countries’ need to urgently shift to green energy.”

The proposals are now open to consultation.

Unite industrial officer Pat McIlvogue said: “The news of the major investment into Hunterston including the dry dock is exciting news for Ayrshire.

“Unite has been calling for a strategic overview of our nation's future energy needs in relation to renewable energy and decommissioning.”

He added that it was “vitally important to ensure that local supply chains and local workers play their full part” in the realisation of the project, and called for a “co-ordinated approach” including trade union involvement in fleshing out the local benefit clauses in the relevant contracts.

Peel Ports said the proposals would support 1,700 jobs and add more than £140 million in economic value to Scotland. There were only 120 people employed at the site when it closed in 2016.

SNP MSP Kenneth Gibson, who represents Cunninghame North, said: “Our young people need opportunities for high-quality, skilled jobs and I am determined to see those brought to Hunterston.”