Additional imports of fuel from Europe will be shipped into Scotland so the country stays on the move through the on-going Grangemouth dispute.

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The Unite union said it was taking the two-day industrial action in protest at planned changes to the staff pension scheme by plant owners Ineos.

During the shutdown, oil production will cease at the plant.

Unite officials agreed 150 unpaid staff could remain at the complex overseeing safety during the strike.

Talks involving the union and plant managers took place at conciliation service Acas earlier in the week, however, they broke up without agreement.

The strike will result in the closure of the Forties pipeline, which provides 30% of the UK's daily oil output from the north sea.

When news of the dispute went public at the beginning of the week, there was evidence of increased buying at petrol stations.

Some garages across Scotland have reported running out of fuel, some have introduced rationing and others have increased prices.

In order to meet demand, about 65,000 tonnes of fuel - or about 10 days worth of mostly diesel - will arrive over the next few days on seven tankers from ports across Europe.

Included in the convoy, which will travel along the River Forth, will be four major shipments from Rotterdam, Amsterdam and Gothenburg.

Scottish First Minister Alex Salmond said he welcomed the "unprecedented scale of the industry's response".

Mr Salmond added: "Supplies are still flowing across the country ahead of these arrivals.

"This will provide extra reassurance for consumers and businesses alike as we look ahead to the coming working week.

'Act responsibly'

"No doubt there will be some difficulties through the early part of the week as we await the reopening of the Grangemouth facility.

"However, the required fuel for Scotland is on the way.

"There is a job to do to keep Scotland moving and we are absolutely focussed on that. In the meantime, all of us can help to maintain supplies by acting responsibly."

Mr Salmond said the responsible approach to fuel consumption would be led by his ministerial team.

He added that public sector staff also urged not to take unnecessary journeys and use public transport.

On Saturday, John Hutton, Secretary of State for Business, said he had spoken to both plant bosses and union officials.

He insisted it was important to avoid unnecessary damage to the wider oil and gas economy in Scotland.

Mr Hutton added: "It is wrong to cause this much disruption to the Scottish people and the Scottish economy.

"It is in no-one's interest to affect North Sea oil production."

(BBC)

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