A NEW train factory and gas power station could restore an area of Scotland “decimated by Thatcher” to “national economic importance,” North Ayrshire’s Labour council leader Joe Cullinane said today.

The Hunterston site was originally an iron ore terminal port, and was used to import coal until 2016, when Longannet power station closed.

Now Peel Ports, the site’s owner, has announced a 20-year development plan including proposals for a train manufacturing plant, a liquid natural gas terminal, a combined cycle gas turbine power station and plastics recycling and storage.