Dounreay Stakeholder Group

Foreword from the Chairman

I am honoured to have been re-elected as chair of the Dounreay Stakeholder Group (DSG), and I thank members and observers for their continued support.

In what will be my final year in the chair, I remain committed to working collaboratively, openly, and constructively to build on the positive foundations already laid and to ensure that the DSG continues to be a catalyst for positive change.

In recent months, we have seen a realignment of the NRS Dounreay site’s life time plan. An acknowledgement that the publicly stated timelines for decommissioning and closure could not and will not be met. This body of work underlines the site will require decommissioning for decades to come and outlines a clear short-term work plan, with realistic expectations for remediation of high-hazard programmes. Whilst this reset provides surety for the community, the focus must remain firmly on the highly skilled workforce, and the world-class supply chain that supports this mission.

Although our sites have been central to the prosperity of the Caithness and north Sutherland region, I have only known the site during its decommissioning phase. Despite this, I fully recognise the enormous contribution our nuclear community – including both Dounreay and Vulcan – has made not only to the local area but to Scotland and the UK as a whole. The work undertaken at Dounreay has been at the forefront of the industry in both fast reactor technology, prototype operations and in decommissioning excellence. At Vulcan, the work carried out by MoD and Rolls-Royce staff has kept submariners safe for over sixty years. We should be incredibly proud of our contribution, but ambitious that this unique area can play its part again.

The DSG plays a key role in holding the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) and the site operators to account, ensuring transparency and oversight. With the Ministry of Defence’s Vulcan site also scheduled to enter a decommissioning phase in 2027, we remain actively engaged in monitoring developments at both facilities.

The ‘nuclear partners’, NDA and NRS Dounreay, are committed to supporting economic development in the region, and this support has never been more crucial. The DSG, through its socio-economic subgroup and broader membership, is working closely with Focus North to help deliver a thriving, sustainable future for the next generation. It is essential that both the UK and Scottish Governments back this ambition as part of their commitment to a fair and inclusive transition.

As Dounreay and Vulcan progress towards eventual closure, we must acknowledge that one of our largest employers may no longer underpin the industrial footprint of our region. There remains a pressing need to use the skills, expertise and supply chain capabilities hosted in the far north for diverse economic opportunities, and I believe that this must be championed by all stakeholders.

The DSG stands ready, as it always has been, to advocate for the region. Engaging with national and devolved governments, statutory bodies, and other partners to support our transition. We believe that Focus North provides the best platform to drive real economic transformation through collaborative action.

Our priority is to ensure this region, which has contributed so much, is not left behind. As part of a ‘just transition’, it is expected that we make our voices heard and hold nuclear partners, government bodies, and elected representatives accountable. Now more than ever, our community must lead the charge in shaping a strong socio-economic future with determination and unity.

Struan Mackie, DSG Chairman