The chimney has been a regional landmark for generations, dominating the Forth skyline at around 183 m (600 ft) high.

Although it ceased generation in 2016, the chimney remains the largest free-standing structure in Scotland.

Ahead of the demolition, ScottishPower lit up Longannet with Global Warming Stripes and the slogan ‘Make Coal History’ to signal the company’s progression of its net zero journey.

Created by Professor Ed Hawkins of the University of Reading, the stripes show the change in global temperature from 1850 to 2020, with shades of blue showing cooler-than-average years and red show years that were hotter-than-average. The projection demonstrates the importance of climate action and the need to act now to tackle the climate crisis.

Keith Anderson, chief executive, ScottishPower, said: “The Global Warming Stripes remind us why the UK needs faster action and greater ambition to meet net zero emissions targets and help save our planet. Scotland has been coal-free since we closed down Longannet in 2016 and today we’re calling on everyone to join us in making coal history once and for all.”

The projection features as part of a year-long programme of COP26 legacy projects from ScottishPower, the UK’s only integrated energy company which generates 100% green electricity from offshore and onshore wind.

It is developing an energy model that will play a significant role in reaching the UK’s climate change targets and is investing £10 billion in the UK over five years – £6 million every working day – to double its renewable generation capacity and drive forward decarbonisation to support the move towards net zero emissions.

Its plans include new solar, wind and battery infrastructure, green hydrogen facilities and undertaking the mammoth task of upgrading parts of the country’s energy network to accommodate the expected rapid increase in demand for electricity.

Spanish engineering firm Talgo has reaffirmed its commitment to bringing the Longannet site back into use.

Talgo has struck an agreement with Scottish Enterprise and Transport Scotland to transform the site near Kincardine into a manufacturing hub for high-speed trains.