Scottish Power has been fined £1.75m after a worker was seriously scalded at Longannet Power Station.

A plant controller suffered serious burns to his chest and legs when he opened a faulty valve which emitted high pressure and high temperature steam.

A Health and Safety Executive (HSE) probe into the incident at the Fife plant on October 12, 2013, found that Scottish Power Generation Limited was aware of the defect but did not take steps were taken to either repair or remove the valve.

The Glasgow-based firm admitted to breaching Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 at Dunfermline Sheriff Court.

It was fined £1.75m during a brief hearing at the court on Tuesday.

HSE's principal inspector Fiona MacNeill said: "The plant controller suffered severe and life changing injuries.

"This case has highlighted the importance for every employer of ensuring that systems are in place for maintaining work equipment in a safe condition, efficient working order and in good repair."