The nuclear power station on the front line of an election battle

"The future of nuclear power in Scotland is shaping up to be a battleground at next year's Holyrood election and Torness, on the banks of the Forth, is on the frontline. The Labour government at Westminster has declared its intention to usher in a new "golden age" of nuclear. But the SNP government at Holyrood opposes new nuclear power stations and can use planning laws to prevent them being built even though energy policy is reserved to the UK Parliament."

"Torness in East Lothian is the last remaining nuclear power station in Scotland. The imposing building fills the windscreens of drivers heading towards Edinburgh on the A1 and dwarfs Stevenson's Barns Ness Lighthouse in the next bay. It is run by EDF Energy and directly employs about 550 workers, with about 180 contractors also based at the site. During periods of maintenance, that number can swell to above 1,000 - providing a boost to nearby shops, restaurants and hotels."

Torness in East Lothian is the last operating nuclear power station in Scotland, directly employing about 550 workers with roughly 180 contractors based at the site. During maintenance the workforce can exceed 1,000, with statutory outages bringing about 800 contractors for extended periods and supporting local lodging, catering and leisure businesses. The plant is scheduled to close in 2030, raising concerns about Dunbar's economy. The UK Labour government advocates a renewed expansion of nuclear power, while the Scottish Government opposes new stations and can use planning powers to block developments.

Read at www.bbc.com