The Grangemouth refinery, Scotland's last remaining oil refinery, has officially ceased processing crude oil, marking the end of an era for the industrial site that has been operational since 1924. Petroineos, the owner of the refinery, confirmed the transition to an import terminal for finished fuels, a move announced in September last year with operations expected to cease by 2025. The company has invested £50 million in transforming the site into a modern import and distribution terminal, ensuring the continued supply of transport fuels to Scotland.

The closure of the refinery has raised concerns over employment in the Grangemouth area, with hundreds of workers accepting voluntary redundancy and others facing compulsory job losses. Discussions between Petroineos and the governments in Edinburgh and London have focused on the future of the site, including potential investments in low-carbon energy projects. However, the transition has been met with criticism, with some describing it as 'industrial vandalism' and calling for more support for the affected workforce.

Petroineos has defended its decision, citing the refinery's daily losses of £380,000 and the unsustainable nature of its operations. The company has also dismissed suggestions that the site could easily transition into a hub for sustainable aviation fuel production. Despite the challenges, Petroineos has praised the resilience and professionalism of its workforce during the transition period, ensuring the security of fuel supply across Scotland.

The UK Government has pledged £200 million to support the Grangemouth area, with hopes of attracting additional private investment. However, calls have been made for greater transparency and urgency in deploying these funds, particularly in light of the Acorn Carbon Capture project's delayed progress. As Grangemouth embarks on its new chapter as an import terminal, the focus remains on securing a sustainable future for the site and its surrounding community.

A man in his 50s remains in life-threatening condition after sustaining a serious head injury during an altercation with door staff outside licensed premises in Lurgan, County Armagh. The incident occurred in the early hours of Sunday morning around 12:55am in the William Street area of the town, according to police statements from the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI).

Detective Inspector Handley confirmed that the man had been attempting to re-enter the licensed premises when he became aggressive toward two members of the door staff. Police reports indicate that the door staff pushed the man backward, causing him to fall and strike his head on the ground, resulting in the serious head injury that now threatens his life.

The door staff provided immediate medical treatment to the injured man before he was transported to hospital, where he remains in critical condition. Police have not released additional details about the man's identity or current medical status, focusing instead on their ongoing investigation into the exact circumstances surrounding the incident.

PSNI detectives are continuing their enquiries and have appealed for witnesses or anyone with information, CCTV footage, or mobile phone recordings of the incident to come forward. The police reference number for the investigation is 75 of 19/10/25, and information can be provided through multiple channels including the PSNI website or anonymously via Crimestoppers.