Highlands and Islands MSP, Edward Mountain backs calls for a new generation of nuclear power stations.
Edward Mountain’s call comes after the Scottish Conservatives announced the policy to coincide with their conference in Aberdeen last weekend.
Edward Mountain says that Caithness should be at the top of the list for locations to benefit from the development of new nuclear power stations.
The MSP believes that nuclear power stations will play their part in strengthening Scotland’s domestic energy security and help Scotland reach net zero.
With Hunterston B in North Ayrshire having closed earlier this year, Scotland has only one operational nuclear power station - despite nuclear energy having produced over 25 per cent of Scotland’s electricity in 2020.
Edward Mountain is urging the SNP to reverse their opposition to nuclear energy and deliver a new generation of small reactors ahead of Torness Power station closing in 2028.
Edward Mountain says Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has underlined the importance of energy security and warned that Caithness and the Highlands could “miss out” on vital jobs and investment if the SNP maintained their opposition to nuclear power.
Edward Mountain MSP said: “The horrendous situation in Ukraine has underlined the importance of maintaining good domestic energy security - and nuclear plays an important part in that.
“With Scotland’s last remaining nuclear power station set to shut down before the end of the decade, we must begin work on a new generation of nuclear power station if we are to meet our future energy needs in the Highlands.
“The UK Government is already planning to invest hundreds of millions in delivering the next generation of clean, nuclear energy but is set to miss out due to the SNP’s irrational opposition to nuclear.
“Nuclear energy is low-carbon and safe. It is a triple win for Scotland and Caithness should be at the top of list for developing new nuclear power stations.
“Not only will it help strengthen our energy security, it will help us reach net zero and deliver jobs and investment across the region.”
