Other Public Services News

Scotland Office partnership with Scottish Chambers of Commerce

Scottish Secretary Ian Murray, joined by his sleeping baby daughter, and Scottish Chambers of Commerce Chief Executive Liz Cameron sign the deal in Edinburgh.   A partnership agreement to launch a Brand Scotland overseas trade missions initiative was signed today (Friday) by the Scotland Office and Scottish Chambers of Commerce (SCC).  

NDA appoints two new Non-Executive Board Members

NDA announces Catriona Schmolke CBE FREng and Dr Neil Bruce OBE CEng as NDA Board members.   The Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) has announced that Catriona Schmolke CBE FREng and Dr Neil Bruce OBE CEng have been appointed to the NDA Board as Non-Executive Board members.  

Water scarcity report from SEPA

The river catchments of the Nith, Dee (Galloway), Cree, Doon, Irvine and Ayr and the Clyde have been raised to Alert.   The river catchments of the Shin, Naver, Conon, Spey, Deveron, Ythan, Don (Aberdeenshire), Dee (Aberdeenshire), Esk, Firth of Tay, Firth of Forth, Almond, Tyne (Lothian), Tweed, Esk (Dumfriesshire), Annan and Thurso remain at Alert.  

Sellafield's 'locked vault’ gives up its nuclear secrets

One of the most challenging puzzles in the UK's nuclear clean-up programme is being solved.   Waste is now being routinely retrieved from one of the world's oldest nuclear waste stores for the first time in its history.  

Crane back in business - with a little help from Spot the robot dog at Dounreay

Spot, the robot "dog," recently assisted colleagues in Dounreay's Fuel Cycle Area by reactivating a crucial building crane in a reprocessing plant.   The crane had been deactivated at the switchboard in 2023 due to concerns about the ageing asset.  

Dounreay to take on 23 new apprentices

One of Britain's most complex environmental restoration projects is taking on 23 new apprentices.   The decommissioning of the former centre of fast reactor research and development at Dounreay is continuing to create long-term opportunities for young people.  

NDA group holds 10th Supply Chain Event

The NDA group's Supply Chain Event saw 2,000 people and 300 exhibitors assemble at Telford International Centre yesterday (Thursday) for the decommissioning-focused networking event.   The day was launched by David Peattie, Chief Executive of the NDA group.  

UKAEA To Lead The Creation Of A Robotics And AI Cluster

UKAEA will lead the creation of a new £4.9m nuclear robotics and artificial intelligence cluster across Cumbria and Oxfordshire.  The robotics and AI cluster was announced by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) as one of seven new projects to kickstart economic growth and address regional needs: www.ukri.org The robotics and AI cluster will link Cumbria and Oxfordshire to accelerate the decommissioning of the UK's legacy nuclear fission facilities and keep people out of hazardous environments.  

NDA Opens New Specialised Cyber Facility

The Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) group has launched a specialised cyber facility to accelerate collaboration across nuclear operators and the supply chain.  The adoption of innovative technologies such as AI and robotics is enhancing their collective ability to successfully defend against cyber threats.  

Police - Area Performance Report to Caithness Area Committee on 11 November

A report by the police to the Caithness area committee on 11 November will allow councillors to discuss a range of issues.   Chief Inspector Calum Smith - Area Commander (North Highland Area Command) sets out the crime related figures up to June 2024.