Testing begins on possible Moray radiation sites

TESTING has begun on potential radiation contamination at sand dunes in Moray where hundreds of aircraft were dismantled during World War Two.

Chemical Ordinance Specialists from BAE systems carry out radioactive testing. Picture: HeMedia

Environmental protection officers will be digging a series of test pits at Findhorn dunelands, next to the former RAF base at Kinloss.

It was revealed last year that a stretch of the sand dunes had been used to dismantle more than 1,000 aircraft following the war.

It is believed parts were disposed of in the area, including instruments with radioactive luminous paint.

The investigation is being carried out by staff at Moray Council contaminated land section and the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency.

The authorities believe the residue could pose a potential risk to human health and the environment.

The land is no longer owned by the Ministry of Defence, but is one of nine sites in Scotland thought to be contaminated.

A Moray Council spokesman said: “Geophysical surveys of the area have already detected the presence of material which experts believe is worthy of further investigation.

“Staff expect to be on site for four or five days and will wear protective clothing as a precaution.

“The investigation will entail excavating a number of shallow pits based on information obtained from geophysical surveys of the area.”