CHRISTMAS dinner could be on hold if strikes at power plants at Hunterston go ahead, plunging households around the country into darkness.

GMB has threatened industrial action at Hunterston B and Torness during the festive period, which could leave Scotland without a third of its electricity supply, it has been claimed.

Union members say they are ‘locked in a dispute’ with EDF Energy over pay and contracts after ‘draconian cuts’.

However, EDF Energy have told the Herald they are ‘actively engaging’ with trade union partners.

Contingencies would likely be put in place to keep the electricity grid running if strikes were to go ahead.

GMB intends to launch a consultative ballot on industrial action this week.

EDF Energy said it had not formally been made aware of the union’s plans.