ITS massive silhouette dominated the east Fife skyline for nearly 50 years, becoming a landmark immortalised in paintings by a Scots artist who grew up in its shadow. But yesterday, the iconic Methil power station, situated on the edge of the River Leven, was no more, after explosives demolished its main structure and sent it crashing to the ground.

Artist Jack Vettriano, who featured the power station as a backdrop to two of his paintings - Long Time Gone and Long Time Gone II - said pivotal moments in people's lives were played out in its shadow. But the thousands of spectators who gathered yesterday afternoon to watch it had their view marred by haar. Only the towering 300ft chimney stack was left standing, but it too is due to be removed in a few months' time.

A 300ft chimney stack in Fife is to be blown up - marking the demolition of the last part of Methil Power Station. Hundreds of spectators are expected to gather and watch as the concrete structure comes crashing down around 2.45pm on Wednesday. STV will be providing live coverage of the demolition on its website.

ScottishPower, which owns the site, said that it had decided to use explosives after consulting with experts. Dylan Hughes from the company said: “The demolition plan for the chimney stack at Methil has been taken following months of discussions with experts including vibration specialists, explosives engineers and ecologists. We have also been working closely with the police to ensure public safety whilst putting in place areas where the event can be seen.”

The power station was opened in 1965 and was one of the only stations in the UK designed to run on coal slurry. In 2000 it stopped producing electricity but was kept on as part of ScottishPower’s reserve. Demolition of the site started in April 2010 and the whole site is expected to be clear by the end of the year.