Cockenzie Power Station manager Bill Kelly was quoted by BBC as saying, "It was a hugely emotional moment for me. I have been here for 27 years."
"I’m an engineer to trade, but not an operational engineer. So was a big thrill for me for the guys to let me push the button," Kelly added.
ScottishPower CEO of energy retail and generation Neil Clitheroe said that it is an important day for the workforce and the local community.
"It is the end of an era for ScottishPower and for the people at Cockenzie Power Station, who I would like to thank for all of their hard work and commitment over the last 45 years," Clitheroe added.
"Cockenzie is one of a number of core power stations in Britain that are due to cease operations this year, and it is vitally important that we receive clarity from the Energy Bill to allow companies like ours to be confident in making investment decisions for a new generation of replacement gas power stations."
WWF Scotland’s director Lang Banks said, "The closure of Cockenzie coal plant marks an important milestone in Scotland’s progression to a renewable energy future."
"Renewables now generate more of Scotland’s electricity needs than either coal or gas and reduced emissions by over 10 million tonnes last year.
"There is no need for the proposed new gas plant to fill the space left by the coal station."
