TALGO has hit back at claims that their plans for a factory at Longannet have hit the buffers saying they remain "committed" to the site.

The Press reported yesterday that West Fife and Coastal villages councillor Graeme Downie had expressed his concern that the project had been shelved after Scottish Enterprise told him that an agreed option to purchase the site from owners Scottish Power had now expired.

However Talgo – who announced in October 2018 their plans for a £40m factory at the old power station at Kincardine that would employ 1,000 people – say they still have plans for a West Fife base.

"Talgo's commitment to the site at Longannet and the wider UK remains solid," said a company spokesperson. "We have been very transparent on how we see the vision becoming reality. We will never over-promise.

"We have consistently emphasised that Talgo's plans for Longannet are contingent on securing a significant order or combination of orders.

"Recent global economic shocks may have delayed the process, but they have not dulled our resolve, or indeed reduced the worldwide interest in Talgo's products and services."