Mossmorran Flare

We are familiar with seeing the flare from the Mossmorran plant in Fife, some 13 miles away but, for the past few days it has been exceptionally bright.

A spokesman for the company said: "We can confirm that following the detection of a minor gas leak on the site on Wednesday, the plant is shut down and we are working to carry out the necessary repair.

"This will result in some elevated flaring for the duration of the repair and the subsequent re-start of the plant. We anticipate elevated flaring will continue for approximately 72 hours. We apologise for any inconvenience or concern caused to the local community.

"The flare is an essential part of the plant's safety systems and at no time will there be any danger to local communities or employees. It is our aim to keep flaring to a minimum."

"We are restarting the plant and are working to resume normal operations."

Naturally, the Flums had to investigate closer - by that I mean, from a distance of half a mile - before the flare was returned to normal. We chose our viewing site carefully from Google satellite and streetview - but, what do you know? when we arrived there was a brand new wind farm there. However, undeterred, we climbed the gate and plodded through the resulting mud for a spectacular sight of the plant and chimney, to hear the roar as the flame burned its way into the sky.

I tried many different settings but my camera just could not cope with the brilliance of the flame, which lit up the steam cloud from the plant and was even strong enough to cast shadows.

When the plant returns to normal production the flame will still be an impressive sight from home but this blip will be the reminder of today's adventure.