OIL REFINERY WORKERS GO ON STRIKE

Staff at Scotland's main fuel supplier stopped work at 6am in a dispute with operators Ineos over proposed changes to pensions.

The plant has been shut down along with a major BP pipeline which is powered by the site.

Up to 200 people gathered outside gate number four before noon.

Workers' families and local politicians were among those who turned out to show their support for members of the Unite union.

The workers held A4-sized placards with the slogan Scotland's Workers Deserve Better and held aloft red and white flags.

Michael Connarty, MP for Linlithgow and East Falkirk, and Cathy Peattie, MSP for Falkirk East, addressed the rally.

Staff are striking over plans to end a final salary pension scheme for newcomers and other pension changes.

Earlier talks aimed at averting the industrial action failed to resolve the row.

The union has agreed to provide 100% safety cover at the site during the dispute.