UNITE put candidates to the test in a hustings on the future of Grangemouth and its workers this week.

STUC general secretary Roz Foyer, who chaired the hustings, challenged candidates on their actions to secure a future and a just transition for the workers at the 100-year-old plant refinery now earmarked for closure.

While Labour’s Brian Leishman and Alba’s Kenny MacAskill had met with Unite, SNP’s John Nicolson’s claim to be “talking calmly behind the scenes” was met with laughter at Bowhouse Community Centre.

Mr MacAskill told the Star: “The UK government funding an Ineos plant in Antwerp while they are closing the refinery in Grangemouth is madness.

“Westminster and Holyrood must wake up.”

Mr Leishman said Labour “would leave no stone unturned in the fight to retain jobs,” adding: “The truth is Grangemouth and the refinery workers have been abandoned by both the Conservative and SNP governments.”

Ms Foyer commented: “The entire trade union movement is watching with interest to see who will stand with us as we defend the jobs and workers at Grangemouth.

“I’ve got no doubt that community will remember who stood with them as they cast their vote on July 4.”