SNP MSP Annabelle Ewing has condemned the Ministry of Defence for refusing to take responsibility to clean up radiation at Dalgety Bay.

The MSP for Mid Scotland and Fife, whose constituency covers Dalgety Bay, says the MoD’s refusal is a “slap in the face to the people of Fife”.

At a meeting with SEPA, residents and politicians, the MoD said it was only committed to more investigation and will not pay for temporary emergency measures.

Ms Ewing said: “This is a slap in the face to the people of Fife and surrounding communities.

“This meeting should have resulted in real action for Dalgety Bay but instead it is the same old story from the MoD refusing to take responsibility for what is rightly theirs.

“Pleas from residents, politicians, environmentalists and SEPA are just falling on deaf ears.

“The MoD owes the people of Fife a remediation plan – along with an explanation on why it is taking so long, causing misery for the people of Fife and surrounding areas.”

SNP councillor Alice McGarry attended the meeting where SEPA scientists said there had been further findings of highly radioactive material at the landfill site.

She said: “The MoD needs to get its act together. It is completely unacceptable for them to refuse to take responsibility and refuse to fund a temporary barrier if necessary to prevent further erosion and uncovering of radioactive materials.

“I fully support SEPA who have given the MoD until March to come up with a credible remediation plan and accept responsibility for paying for the clear-up.

“If this does not happen, SEPA will take legal action against the MoD as the "appropriate person" but I would hope the people of Fife get the action they need before it reached this point.”