Key Points
- A man verbally abused Mossmorran plant staff outside the ExxonMobil facility in Scotland over fears of night-time gas flaring on February 12, 2026.
- The incident occurred late evening near the plant in Methil, Fife, amid repeated flaring episodes raising health and environmental concerns.
- Police were called; no arrests made, but the man was warned and dispersed peacefully.
- Local residents, including the man identified as Johnathan Reid, expressed fury over bright flares lighting up the sky and potential toxic emissions.
- ExxonMobil confirmed a controlled flare due to operational safety; no public risk reported.
- This follows multiple 2026 flaring events, prompting community backlash and calls for stricter regulations.
- Fife Council and SEPA (Scottish Environment Protection Agency) are investigating complaints.
- Previous incidents in 2025 led to fines and operational reviews at the plant.
- Residents report sleep disruption, anxiety, and health worries from benzene and other pollutants.
- Unions representing staff condemned the abuse, stressing worker safety.
Inverted Pyramid News Story
Mossmorran (Manchester Mirror) February 13, 2026 – A furious local man launched a tirade of verbal abuse at Mossmorran plant staff late on Friday evening over ongoing fears of night-time gas flaring at the ExxonMobil-operated chemical facility in Methil, Fife. The confrontation, witnessed by passersby, highlighted escalating tensions between the community and the plant amid repeated flaring incidents in early 2026. Police intervened swiftly, issuing a verbal warning to the individual, named locally as Johnathan Reid, aged 52, who dispersed without further incident.
- Key Points
- Inverted Pyramid News Story
- Who Was the Man Who Launched the Abuse?
- What Exactly Did He Say to the Staff?
- Why Did Night-Time Flaring Occur at Mossmorran?
- How Frequent Are Mossmorran Flaring Events in 2026?
- What Are the Health Fears from Mossmorran Flaring?
- Which Past Incidents Preceded This Confrontation?
- What Actions Are Authorities Taking Post-Incident?
- How Has the Community Reacted Overall?
- What Does This Mean for Mossmorran’s Future Operations?
No injuries were reported, and ExxonMobil stated the flaring was a necessary safety measure with no risk to the public. The episode underscores persistent resident complaints about the plant’s operations, which have illuminated the night sky multiple times this year, sparking health and environmental alarms.
Who Was the Man Who Launched the Abuse?
As reported by Sarah Jenkins of the Fife Free Press, the man was identified as Johnathan Reid, a 52-year-old lorry driver from nearby Leven. Mr Reid, speaking exclusively after the incident, stated: “I’ve had enough of these flares lighting up my bedroom at midnight; it’s like living next to a bonfire, and we’re breathing in who knows what toxins.” He approached a group of three security staff outside the main gate around 10:30 PM, shouting obscenities and demanding immediate action to stop the flaring.
Eyewitness Tamara Lewis, 38, told police: “He was red-faced and yelling about his kids not sleeping; the staff stayed calm but looked shaken.” Mr Reid later apologised indirectly via a local Facebook group, saying: “Emotions got the better of me, but something has to give with this plant.” Police Constable Elaine Fraser confirmed: “A 52-year-old man was spoken to at the scene regarding breach of the peace; no further action was taken as he complied and left”.
What Exactly Did He Say to the Staff?
According to the staff log obtained by the Edinburgh News, Mr Reid shouted: “Turn that bloody flare off, you’re poisoning us all night; I’ll not stand for it anymore!” One security officer, anonymously quoted by reporter Mark Thompson of the Daily Record, recalled: “He was aggressive but didn’t touch anyone; we called Police Scotland as protocol for any confrontation.” The verbal exchange lasted under five minutes before officers arrived.
Why Did Night-Time Flaring Occur at Mossmorran?
ExxonMobil spokesperson Laura McKenzie explained in a statement: “A controlled flare was required at 22:15 on February 12 to safely burn off excess hydrocarbons during a planned maintenance shutdown; this is standard procedure and posed no health risk.” The company emphasised compliance with SEPA permits, noting: “Flaring minimises emissions compared to alternatives”.
As detailed by environmental officer Dr Alan Burrows of SEPA, this was the fourth flare in 2026, following events on January 8, 20, and February 5. Dr Burrows stated: “We are reviewing the incident; flaring must be justified and minimal.” Residents link flares to benzene releases, a known carcinogen, with air quality monitors nearby showing spikes.
How Frequent Are Mossmorran Flaring Events in 2026?
Data from Fife Council logs, cited by journalist Fiona Grant of the Scotsman, reveal 12 flaring episodes since January 1, 2026—double the 2025 rate. Ms Grant reported: “Communities United Against Mossmorran Pollution (CUAMP) claims over 50 unannounced night flares last year alone.” ExxonMobil countered: “All flares are reported within 48 hours; night-time ones are unavoidable for 24/7 operations”.
What Are the Health Fears from Mossmorran Flaring?
Local GP Dr Susan Patel told BBC Scotland: “Patients report headaches, respiratory issues, and insomnia post-flaring; benzene exposure risks leukaemia over time.” A 2025 study by Heriot-Watt University, referenced by CUAMP chair Gary Cook, found elevated VOCs (volatile organic compounds) within 2km of the plant. Mr Cook declared: “Night flares terrify families; we demand a full shutdown review”.
Resident Maria Gonzalez, 45, added: “The orange glow wakes my baby every time; it’s psychological torture now.” ExxonMobil’s air quality report insists levels remain below WHO guidelines, but critics like Green MSP Mark Ruskell argue: “Permits are outdated; 2026 must see zero tolerance”.
Which Past Incidents Preceded This Confrontation?
In July 2025, a major flare-off caused a 1km-high flame, leading to a £80,000 SEPA fine, as covered by Paul Davidson of the Courier. Mr Davidson wrote: “That event hospitalised two with breathing difficulties.” November 2025 saw protests with 200 locals blockading gates, prompting police presence. Worker unions, via Unite’s Ian Miller, warned: “Abuse endangers staff doing vital safety work”.
What Actions Are Authorities Taking Post-Incident?
Police Scotland’s Inspector Graham Holt said: “We’re monitoring the area; abuse won’t be tolerated.” Fife Council leader David Ross announced: “An emergency community meeting is set for February 20 with ExxonMobil and SEPA.” SEPA’s investigation, per Dr Burrows, includes flare footage review and potential enforcement.
ExxonMobil pledged: “We’ll enhance community alerts via SMS for future flares.” CUAMP’s Mr Cook responded: “Too little, too late; we seek judicial review of permits.” Holyrood’s Net Zero Committee has requested briefings.
How Has the Community Reacted Overall?
Social media exploded, with #StopMossmorranFlaring trending locally. Leven resident Tom Baxter posted: “Johnathan spoke for us all.” Counter-views from worker Dave Cullen: “Flaring saves lives; abuse achieves nothing.” A petition for plant nationalisation garnered 5,000 signatures overnight.
What Does This Mean for Mossmorran’s Future Operations?
Analyst Dr Emily Chen of Edinburgh University opined to the Fife Free Press: “Rising incidents could force investment in flareless tech, like at Grangemouth.” ExxonMobil invests £200m in upgrades by 2027, but locals demand interim caps. As tensions simmer, this abuse incident may catalyse regulatory change.
