Talgo has officially stated they will not proceed with plans for a factory in Kincardine, ending hopes for local job creation.
Dunfermline: Talgo announced plans for a factory over six years ago. They aimed to create 1,000 jobs. But things changed in 2021 when they lost a contract for HS2, a high-speed railway in England.
They had hoped to set up at the old Longannet Power Station site. However, this week, they confirmed they have no plans to move forward.
A Talgo spokesperson explained that their plans were linked to the HS2 project. Since that’s no longer happening, they have no plans for Longannet.
They still want to be involved in the UK rail market. They’re interested in developments for replacing old trains in Scotland.
The Longannet Power Station closed in 2016. In 2018, Talgo announced a £40 million investment for a train manufacturing plant. This was expected to create 1,000 jobs.
After years of inactivity, the news was disappointing but not surprising. Dunfermline MSP Shirley-Anne Somerville expressed her disappointment for the local community.
She noted that Talgo’s project had raised hopes, especially after discussions in Kincardine and the Scottish Parliament.
Somerville plans to meet with Scottish Enterprise to discuss future investment and job opportunities for the area.
Talgo chose Longannet for their plant in November 2018. This was seen as a transformational opportunity for the area.
Planning permission was granted in December 2019. However, Talgo missed out on the HS2 contract two years later.
At that time, Talgo said they were looking for other opportunities worldwide, not just in the UK.
In 2022, it was confirmed that the project was shelved. Talgo had previously insisted their commitment to Longannet remained strong.
Now, MP Graeme Downie has stated he knew the project wouldn’t go ahead. He’s been raising this issue in Parliament since his election.
Downie believes the Longannet site has great potential for jobs and economic growth. He’s determined to help make that happen.
