SCOTTISH First Minister John Swinney visited the village of Coalsnaughton today, where ground movement forced 100 homes to be evacuated last month.

Out of their homes since May 18, families described as facing “emotional and financial distress” at a recent Prime Minister’s Questions by their MP Brian Leishman, and now face another eight weeks in temporary accommodation while the cause of the movement in the Clackmannanshire former pit is investigated by the Mining Remediation Authority (MRA)

Ahead of his visit, at which he chaired a round table including the MRA and the local council, Mr Swinney said: “This is a very distressing situation for the residents of Coalsnaughton who have had to leave their homes with no clear indication of when they might be able to return.

“While it is necessary that the MRA carries out safety investigations, people are understandably concerned about the length of time this might take.

“It is absolutely critical that they are provided with clear communication and further clarity as soon as possible on what will happen in the coming weeks.”