Bleak report on mine's future

Longannet is the last deep mine in Scotland

Scotland's last deep coal mine was all but economically doomed before it flooded, according to a confidential document seen by BBC Scotland.

Longannet in Fife was flooded with more than 17 million gallons of water on Saturday, and the extent of the damage caused is still being assessed by mining engineers.

A statement on the mine's future - and the jobs of 500 miners - is now expected to be made by Scottish Coal on Friday.

The coal is used by a neighbouring power plant

However, officials have admitted that the pit's future is "not looking very healthy".

There have been several geological problems at the pit, the most recent of which was last month when miners hit stone, reducing production for three weeks.

BBC Scotland understands that these problems have created a financial nightmare for Scottish Coal.

A confidential report on what are termed serious troubles says unforeseen geological conditions might mean Longannet has finally become unsupportable.

The report says: "We are looking in detail at liquidation, receivership or administration."

Problems 'solved'

The document, written by Scottish Coal's chairman Professor Ross Harper, describes the situation as a "tale of woe".

He says that the Department of Trade and Industry, Scottish Coal's bank and ScottishPower had all been approached for more money - but had refused.

The National Union of Miners insisted that last month's problems had since been solved.

No decision has been made yet but it is certainly not looking very healthy

Mining (Scotland) spokesman

However, the weekend flooding has caused a new crisis for the pit.

Scottish Coal - the parent company of operator Mining (Scotland) Ltd - said that many lives could have been lost if the mine had flooded 24 hours earlier.

It is believed that water from an underground dam flooded the mine.

Dams are created when old mine workings are sealed up with concrete, in an effort to stop natural water seepage spreading to working seams.

UK Energy Minister Brian Wilson is due to meet officials on Friday to discuss Longannet's future.

Searching questions

A spokesman for Mining (Scotland) said: "We are now looking at Friday before any decision is made and a possibility could be closure.

"It's not looking good for the mine. No decision has been made yet but it is certainly not looking very healthy."

Scottish National Party MSP Bruce Crawford says "searching" questions should be asked about the cause of the flooding.

"How many men with the relevant training and experience were on duty the night this happened?" he asked.