Historic UK nuclear records from 17 sites dating back to the 1940s will be on public show for the first time from today at a new archive.
The Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) has funded the centre in Wick, Scotland, close to one of the country’s earliest nuclear research sites at Dounreay.
Around 20 staff are employed at the archive, called Nucleus, which houses nuclear records, with thousands of plans, photographs and 200 tonnes of paperwork due to be transferred from other sites over the next five years.
NDA chief executive John Clarke said: “Across the UK, at over 17 sites, we have accumulated large volumes of important and valuable records, some dating back to the 1940s.
“Now we have Nucleus, we have ensured that this information is accessible, secure, and managed efficiently for the taxpayer.
“At its peak, Dounreay employed more than 3,000 staff and brought a wide range of contracts for local businesses.
“By placing Nucleus in Wick, the NDA is honouring our responsibility to help offset the economic impact of closing down sites that were once major regional employers.”