Meeting digs deep into opencast mine proposal

MORE than 120 people attended a public meeting to discuss the creation of an opencast mine in Midlothian.

Residents in Cousland voiced objections to the Scottish Coal proposals last week.

The company wishes to use the mine to supply two Scottish power stations – Cockenzie in East Lothian and Longannet in Fife – as part of a five-year contract with ScottishPower.

But residents are concerned about the impact the mine, at Airfield Farm, could have on wildlife, transport and natural beauty, as well as the noise it could generate.

Dougie McKenzie, chairman of the meeting, said:"There is overwhelming opposition to the principle of the development."

Scottish Coal representatives attended the meeting in Cousland Village Hall.

Mr McKenzie said: "It was a robust question and answer session. "There is virtually no-one in favour of this, though."