GIANT coal bunkers at the former Cockenzie Power Station were brought down by a controlled explosion last week in the biggest single moment of demolition at the site since it closed.

Police officers stopped traffic on Edinburgh Road as the explosions were set off and a section of the John Muir Way was closed for public safety.

The steel-framed bunkers were used to store coal brought to the power station via a conveyor.

The conveyor itself was dismantled earlier this year in an overnight operation.

The iconic power station chimneys are now expected to be brought down in the summer of next year as demolition work at the former plant continues.

The coal bunkers were the ninth explosive demolition event at the site this year, with previous ones used to bring down steel precipitators which surrounded the main building.

The explosion took place at 2pm last Thursday, with onlookers gathered on the Greenhills to watch the event.

ScottishPower is expected to begin talks with local community groups in the new year about marking the eventual destruction of the iconic chimneys.

Among early proposals being considered are competitions, or possibly a lottery, to choose someone local to press the detonation button and bring the iconic chimneys down.

A spokesperson said: “Plans are still in the early stages and we will be discussing all options with the local community groups and organisations.”