Environmental activists have set up one of Scotland’s largest protest camps in a decade near an oil refinery.

Climate Camp Scotland says it wants the space at Kinneil Park in Grangemouth open for everyone to come and discuss the climate emergency.

The group said the figures show chemical giant Ineos as “Scotland’s biggest polluter”.

But the multinational says it operates a “safe, sustainable business” and meets its climate responsibilities.

Ineos emits around 2.4 million tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions each year, according to figures obtained by campaigners from the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency (Sepa).

Activists say the site can be renewed with sustainable jobs and industries.

The group set up camp just a mile from the oil terminal on Wednesday and will stay there until Monday.

On Saturday morning, they will march from the campsite, near Falkirk, to an undisclosed protest site.

Organizer Jess Johannesson says the space is family-friendly and they welcome everyone – even those who may disagree with them.

She said 150 people from a variety of climates and backgrounds came together to stay at the camp.

More are expected to arrive by the end of the week.

Ms Johannesson said: “We are protesting Scotland’s biggest polluter – by a rather small percentage – the Ineos site in Grangemouth.

“The camp is an opportunity for local community members, climate activists, industry workers and those concerned about the climate crisis to come together to think about how to work towards a fair future for all. everyone.

“Grangemouth is a perfect example of why our current energy system isn’t right for anyone but the CEOs of energy companies.

“Ineos made a profit of more than £400m last year while the community in Grangemouth suffered from fuel poverty, with a giant petrochemical plant as their neighbour. Couldn’t be better than that. .”

She added the group invited locals to speak on the impact of living next to the petrochemical area, as well as a former worker in the oil industry.

“We wanted to start a conversation about no longer talking about the cost of living crisis separate from the climate crisis,” she said.

“Both are the same thing and they affect the same people the most and the same people also profit from it.”

The activist said the Grangemouth camp is the third camp the group has organized, after similar locations in Mossmorran and Aberdeen.

They are hosting workshops on the climate crisis, including fuel poverty and how a fair transition can happen, as well as fun and family-friendly activities.

She encouraged people to stop by and talk to members about the camp.

Police Scotland said they were aware of the march planned for Saturday and that a comprehensive control plan was in place to maintain people’s safety and facilitate peaceful protest. .

An Ineos spokesperson wished event attendees a “happy week”.

They added: “This is our home, where we run a safe, sustainable business that serves the Scottish economy well, provides skilled jobs and essential products while at the same time. meet climate responsibilities.”

A spokesman said Ineos is one of Scotland’s last remaining large-scale manufacturing companies.

They continue: “We supply many of the basic raw materials needed for many of the products we all use every day, from cell phones, water and gas pipes, to medical products, Cars, buses and trains, tents, waterproof and training shoes.

“Even wind turbines and solar cells need products made here by thousands of skilled workers.”

The company says it is working to become a net zero producer by 2045 and is making “good progress”.

Ineos added that it has reduced emissions by almost 40% since purchasing the Grangemouth site and plans to reduce emissions by more than 65% by capturing hydrogen and carbon.