Decision due over future of deep coal mine

A decision is expected over the future of Scotland's last deep working coal pit and its 500 miners.

The British energy minister Brian Wilson is due to meet senior directors at Scottish Coal, the owners of Longannet mine in Fife.

Last weekend, 17 million gallons of water gushed through the mine after a dam separating old workings from new seams collapsed.

An announcement about whether production can continue is expected to be made at the headquarters of Scottish Coal in Alloa.

After the incident, officials admitted the that setback may be the end for the pit, which has been dogged by geological and production problems in recent years.