FIFTY years of dedication and hard work have been recognised with a special presentation at Torness Power Station.

Willie Clarkson started working as an apprentice at Kincardine Power Station on July 6, 1964.

His apprenticeship with the South of Scotland Electricity Board soon turned into a rewarding career in the energy industry and – half a century later – he has received a rare award, marking 50 years of service with EDF Energy and its predecessor companies.

At the age of 65, Willie continues to work as a contract manager at Torness Power Station, near Dunbar, and has no regrets about his career choice all those years ago.

He said: “I have never had a day when I didn’t want to go to work; I have always loved working in the industry and am appreciative of the many opportunities it provided me with.” Willie, from Alderston Gardens, Haddington, started his career as a mechanical fitter and later moved to Longannet power station, in Fife, as a general assistant engineer.

He then applied for a position at Inverkip power station, in Renfrewshire, and spent five years there before returning to Fife for another five years.

However, the bulk of the half century of work has been at the nuclear power station at Torness, where he started working 28 years ago.

The father-of-two, who has been married for 45 years, started working at Torness during construction and his role was in the maintenance department looking after contracts.

He was also an integral part of the opening of the facility, when more than 6,000 people a day visited the new site.

It is also a day he considers a special memory and calls it “That fine day in May” – a reference to the official opening on May 13, 1989, by then Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher.

Station director Paul Winkle congratulated Willie on reaching the impressive milestone.

He said: “This really is a fantastic achievement for Willie and he should be very proud. We are delighted to still have Willie working here at the station and his experience and expertise are valued very highly.” Willie married Isobel in 1969 and they have two children – a son and daughter – as well as four grandchildren.

When he does finally retire, he is not likely to be bored, as he has the four grandchildren, as well as being an enthusiastic gardener.