Public bodies across Grampian have been working together to minimise the consequences of the industrial action at Grangemouth.

The Grampian Strategic Co-ordinating Group (SCG) which is made up of representatives of the emergency services, local authorities and other key agencies across the police Force region has been meeting regularly to discuss how the ongoing industrial dispute at INEOS, Grangemouth might impact on our local communities.

Chaired by Grampian Police's Deputy Chief Constable John McNab, the SCG meetings are attended by the chief executives of NHS Grampian, Aberdeenshire Council, Aberdeen City Council, Moray Council, the Assistant Chief Fire Officer of Grampian Fire and Rescue Service and senior representatives of Scottish Ambulance Service, Scottish Environment Protection Agency and the Maritime and Coastguard Agency.

The SCG partners are accustomed to working closely together and have been considering how to respond to the consequences of any disruption to fuel supplies and any issues which may need to be addressed across Grampian.

Mr McNab said: "Our priorities are public safety, reassurance and business continuity. I understand that with normal levels of fuel usage in the Grampian area, there will be enough fuel to maintain supplies to the public. I would urge people not to panic buy.

"I would like to ask the people of Grampian to show self-restraint over the coming days and not to rush to the pumps. That way we can ensure there is minimal inconvenience to our communities and the needs of our most vulnerable residents will be met.

"I emphasise that across Grampian, at the present time, there has been minimal impact on the daily life of the population and we hope, if everyone is sensible, that will be the way it stays.

"Local contingency plans which involve local businesses and industry as well as the emergency services and key agencies, have been and will continue to be reviewed. They are supplemented by national plans and, like all SCGs across Scotland, we are in receipt of guidance from the Scottish Government and Westminster. The situation is being constantly monitored and if it is required we would, under national guidance, implement elements of those plans."

A key priority of the SCG is to ensure that emergency, utility and other key agencies will not experience any disruption to their supplies of fuel and will be able to continue to provide their essential services.