We were all shocked by ExxonMobil’s announcement in late 2025 that they were to close their Fife Ethylene Plant at Mossmorran after more than 40 years operations.
The announcement brought immediate concern for the 400 workers and contractors who would be directly affected, with job losses expected to begin in phases from April 2026.
There was significant political and media focus on the plant and the surrounding community, which was reeling from the news of the closure and what it would mean for the neighbouring Shell plant and how the local economy would be hit.
It was important to us to gather views and feedback from local people so it could be fed into the work of the Mossmorran Taskforce, led by Fife Council, which was created immediately following Exxon’s announcement.
We’re thankful to everyone who took part. The survey opened on 9th December and closed on 19th December.
Full analysis and outputs from the survey are detailed here.
Highlights include:
- 90% of respondents want a say on the future of the site and how the area recovers.
- 92% felt the area needs significantly more development investment.
- 88% feel that Cowdenbeath’s community and economic development should be a higher priority.
- 84% agree the workers and contractors directly affected should be the top priority of any response.
- 78% would like to see the site redeveloped using its excellent water and grid infrastructure to boost local jobs.
- 67% said they fear for the future prospects of the local area as a result of the Mossmorran closure
The results have been shared with local politicians and the Mossmorran Taskforce. Our group are calling for meaningful engagement with the local community and proposing the town’s Local Place Plan be at the heart of any investment for recovery in the area.
Our spokesperson said:
“Our aim with this short survey was to gather views on the immediate priorities after the shock announcement came, and to evidence the feelings locally about the investment needed in this area. There is an opportunity here to do something for the entire Cowdenbeath area and we must fight to have our say, as nobody else will do it for us. We hope the politicians are listening!”
You can read the summary of the survey results here.
You can read all text responses from the survey here.
We continue to be guided in our actions by this simple motto:
NOTHING ABOUT US, WITHOUT US.
My Cowdenbeath CIC 