The Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) has pledged £5 million towards a project to upgrade Scrabster Harbor, close to the Dounreay nuclear site in the north of Scotland, aimed to improved its capacity to receive cruise ships and vessels working in the offshore oil and gas industry.
According to their announcement, the improvement work is likely to generate up to 50 new jobs, increase traffic through the port and attract visitors – providing a boost to the region’s tourism economy.
Commenting the news, NDA Chief Executive, David Peattie, said: “Supporting the communities around our sites is a fundamental part of the NDA’s mission to clean up the UK’s nuclear legacy. This is a fantastic opportunity for the NDA to help develop Scrabster Harbor in a way that can have a long lasting impact for the community of Caithness.”
It is understood that the program of improvements, worth £17 million in total, could increase revenue for Scrabster Harbor by 18% over 5 years.
Work will include dredging, to increase the depth of the water, and modifications to the pier itself – meaning larger vessels are able berth at the pier.