Trains to carry Dounreay radioactive material across Scotland

PLANS to transport radioactive material the length of Scotland by train is necessary as the Dounreay site cannot cope with it, councillors heard yesterday.

The first of 46 shipments of breeder material from Caithness to Sellafield in Cumbria is due to start in the summer.

In the late 1960s, 30 tonnes of breeder material was sent from Dounreay to Sellafield, but another 44 tonnes remains at the Caithness site.

Dr Adrian Simper, head of strategy at the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority, told Highland councillors with Dounreay set to be decommissioned by 2025 the material cannot remain there.

Dr Simper said there will be about 94 flasks of material moved over 5-6 years. He said the spent fuel is routinely moved around the country, with about 2-3 movements a week, including some in Scotland including from Torness and Hunterston.

“If transport to Sellafield is the preferred option we will make the decision based on safety and security primarily.”

He said consultation will take place with communities, although exact details of movements will not be made public.

The Nuclear Free Local Authorities (NFLA) organisation has said the plan would endanger communities along the length of the line through Scotland and north-west England.

Friends of the Earth Scotland has also claimed the shipments present too high a risk with the possibility of accidents and the material getting into the hands of terrorists.

But Caithness councillor David Flear said yesterday: “We do not have the capability in Caithness to deal with this which is why it has to move to a place where it can be dealt with. It is the only option.

“This will be highly regulated and highly scrutinised by the UK and Scottish governments. I’m content this is the right route for Dounreay to move this fuel.