Project planners at Fife Ethylene Plant considered many different scenarios in the run up to the current £140m upgrade – but discovering a protected bird’s nest wasn’t one of them.

The nest, containing three eggs, belongs to an oyster catcher, and the eggs are protected by law.

Upon finding the nest on the fringes of the site, a bird-loving contractor working for Bilfinger immediately put up a cordon and sign that required workers to stay away from the area.

He sought advice from environmental advisors on site, who confirmed that it belonged to an oyster catcher and that their nests and eggs are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act.

And his quick thinking means that the nest will not be disturbed until after the baby birds have flown.

Contact engineer Michael Ridgewell, who was with the contractor at the time, said: “This was a great spot by our colleague who acted quickly to ensure the safety of the nest and eggs.

“It is not uncommon that birds choose to make their nests on our towers and land, and the barriers will be kept in place until the hatchlings have left the nest.

“We have seen all sorts of wildlife here from hares and foxes to birds of prey and it’s nice to see the number of animals that have made our site their home.”