Proposal for expert summit on nuclear power in Scotland

The plans could employ double the number of workers currently employed at the site of Scotland’s last working nuclear power station.

Industry estimates suggest that the power-producing life of closure-threatened Torness could continue for decades into the future and the proposals would mean secure jobs.

It comes as new figures show 170 Scottish firms were contracted to work at one English nuclear site.

There is also a proposal to convene an expert summit on nuclear power in Scotland.

The plans and the plant owner’s stance are revealed in the first part of our new series which is launched today with our sister title The Herald.

In a new collaboration, our team of journalists is creating a series looking at all sides of the contentious argument.

The separation in policy between two governments is striking. We are looking at safety and the environment, and also examining whether there is a business case for new nuclear in Scotland.

Tension between Holyrood and Westminster appears to be growing, with the UK Government pointing towards funding but adding that “the Scottish Government continues to block any movement on this safe, green energy that would turbocharge the Scottish economy”.

The Scottish Government is stranding firm and hailed research showing a potential 80,000 renewables jobs in Scotland within 25 years.