Grangemouth's giant refinery and petrochemical complex was being fired back up last night amid relief across Scotland that owners Ineos had decided against closure and ended their week-long lockout of workers.
But even as politicians congratulated each other on the outcome the mood was charged with anger from the Scottish Trade Union Congress at the company's actions and bitterness at the sacrifices forced on the workers.
Welcoming news that billionaire Jim Ratcliffe - the major shareholder in Ineos - would reverse Wednesday's blitzkrieg decision to cut 800 jobs and close the petrochemical site, Unite Scottish secretary Pat Rafferty said: "Relief will ring right round the Grangemouth community and across Scotland.
Years of underfunding are eroding Scotland’s local services and deepening inequality in communities, says VINCE MILLS
As bus builder Alexander Dennis threatens Falkirk closure and Grangemouth faces ruthless shutdown by tax exile Jim Ratcliffe, RICHARD LEONARD MSP warns that global corporations must be resisted by a bold industrial strategy based on public ownership


