SEAWEED forced the shutdown of a reactor at East Lothian’s nuclear power station.

EDF Energy, which manages Torness Power Station, near Dunbar, took the reactor offline last Thursday.

A spokeswoman for the company confirmed it had since gone back online.

She said: “We took one of the reactors at Torness power station off line on Thursday (March 1) due to an increase in seaweed levels as a result of the weather conditions in the area.

“We carefully monitored the weather and the seaweed levels and returned the unit to service on Sunday.

“We know that at certain times of year particular weather conditions in this part of the Forth Estuary can lead to increased seaweed volumes which can enter the station’s cooling water intake system.

“Our staff are trained to respond in this situation and to take the plant offline if necessary.

“In addition, the plant’s safety systems monitor conditions like this and will take the unit offline automatically should levels rise beyond prescribed settings, ensuring safety at all times.”