Nuclear free seminar

A GROUP calling on local councils to adopt anti-nuclear policies will hold a seminar in Lerwick on Friday.

The Nuclear Free Local Authorities (NFLA) Scotland Forum will be held at Islesburgh between 12 and 2pm to discuss energy issues in the country.

On the agenda will be the transportation of nuclear materials through Scotland from power station Dounreay and the Scottish Government’s radioactive waste management policy.

The forum will also discuss the ways in which some local authorities in Scotland are promoting low carbon policies – including the Shetland Islands Council.

The event will feature guest talks from Tor Justad, from Highlands Against Nuclear Transportation, and Dounreay Site Restoration Ltd’s Colin Punier.

North isles councillor Steven Coutts and Shetland Islands Council’s estate operations exectuive manager Carl Symons will also appear, with the latter discussing the council’s carbon management plan.

NFLA Scotland convenor Bill Butler said the Shetland event will examine some of the “key issues” in nuclear and energy policy.

“NFLA remains very concerned and opposed to the transport of highly radioactive materials across the Scottish rail and road system, and is alarmed that sea transports may be considered for such material,” he added.

Nuclear Free Local Authorities is currently supported by around 50 councils across the UK.

The group aim to “tackle in practical ways, and within their powers, the problems posed by civil and military nuclear hazards”.