NDA Confirms Scottish Regional Base Will Be In Caithness

20th October 2004

The Convener of The Highland Council's Caithness area Committee, Councillor David Flear has welcomed confirmation that the NDA (Nuclear Decommissioning Authority) will establish its Scottish Regional Headquarters in Caithness.

The NDA, who will take over responsibility for decommissioning of the Dounreay site on 1 April next year, confirmed at a stakeholder workshop in Thurso today (Thursday) that they are currently looking at properties in the county for their new regional base.

Between 6 - 15 management jobs will be based in the new office.

The Council has suggested that Wick would particularly benefit from housing the new Scottish headquarters.

Councillor Flear, who attended the workshop and has been urging the NDA to establish a presence in Caithness, said: "I very much welcome confirmation that the NDA will set up a Scottish regional base in the county.

"They are looking at a number of properties in the county and we eagerly
await their decision. Clearly Wick would benefit greatly from accommodating this prestigious office and I have made the view of the Council known to senior NDA representatives."

The NDA will announce next month the site in West Cumbria of their national headquarters. They will also set up two regional bases in England and on office in London.

They hope to have 90 staff in post by next April, when they take ownership of 20 nuclear sites in the UK.

New NDA chief executive Dr Ian Roxburgh attended today's workshop in Thurso.