Torness’ first visits since 9/11 attacks

Torness nuclear power station is set to open its doors to the public for the first time since the 9/11 terrorist attacks in the US in 2001.

A new visitor centre will be opened by operator EDF Energy at the East Lothian site later this year, offering guided tours and “hands-on” displays.

Scotland’s other nuclear power station, Hunterston B, near West Kilbride, in North Ayrshire, opened to the public yesterday.

Energy Minister Fergus Ewing said: “While the Scottish Government has a clear policy position against new nuclear build, we recognise that EDF Energy is a valued local employer and supports the community in which it operates.”

However, the environmental group WWF Scotland said the visitor centre opening did not change its view that nuclear power was unwanted and unnecessary.

Director Dr Richard Dixon said: “Nuclear power is a dirty, dangerous and unnecessary technology. Research has shown that a combination of energy efficiency and renewables is more than enough to power all of Scotland’s electricity needs.”