Scottish Government 'only barrier' to new nuclear sites in Scotland – as Caithness councillors push to retain skills in far north

Caithness could host a new nuclear development – if the Scottish Government lifts its objection to the industry, according to the Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS).

It comes after Secretary of State Kwasi Kwarteng said Westminster would be unwilling to “impose” nuclear plants on Scotland during the announcement of the UK’s energy security strategy last week.

Amid an outcry from local councillors seeking to sustain the skills, jobs and investment in the area built up over decades at the Dounreay and Vulcan sites, the department of BEIS confirmed later that it does want “these nuclear reactors to be built across the UK,” saying that the SNP “is the only barrier”.

For years, the party has stood against the creation of new nuclear sites in Scotland, claiming they are too expensive, dangerous and unfriendly to the environment.

A UK government spokesperson said: “The UK government is supporting a significant acceleration of nuclear, with a commitment to building eight new nuclear reactors by 2030.

“We want these nuclear reactors to be built across the UK, however the Scottish Government’s opposition to granting planning permission to nuclear power plants is the only barrier to Scotland hosting projects which could meet our energy needs for decades to come and support thousands of jobs.

“We will continue to work closely with them to ensure Scotland can benefit from safe, clean and reliable power through the proposals in our energy security strategy.”

Councillor Struan Mackie, who chairs the Dounreay Stakeholders Group, strongly supports a bid for a new reactor for Caithness.

The Scottish Government is due to unveil its Energy Strategy and Just Transition Plan (ESJTP) in the autumn.

He said: “Whilst Holyrood energy and planning policy is failing the far north, the unprecedented wave of investment in nuclear simply cannot be restricted to England and Wales.

“The statement from the UK government is unequivocal – the only obstacle to new development is Scottish Government policy.

“In a region where so many unpopular developments are forced upon communities, whilst no consideration is given to widely supported nuclear generation, we need to see a change in approach from the Scottish Government.

“Nuclear communities like Caithness and north Sutherland need to be engaged with and not dictated to by the SNP/Green government.

“Our skilled workforce, experienced supply chain and local communities must have a say in the type of energy we create on our doorstep.”

Cllr Mathew Reiss said: "To be clear, the UK government says that thousands of Scottish jobs can be created if, and only if, the SNP have the courage to change their current anti-nuclear policy.

“Caithness would be transformed by a new Dounreay for generations."

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