The Atomics: the story of Dounreay’s people

Information

In partnership with the Cross-Party Group on Civil Nuclear Industry 

With the 70th anniversary of the famous golf-ball landmark Dounreay, join the panel to discuss the social and economic impact the former nuclear site has had on generations of Scots over the decades. From being the UK’s centre of fast reactor research and development to its current status as Scotland's largest nuclear clean -up and demolition project, Dounreay has been home to everyone from world leading scientists and engineers to academics and trade unions. 

Chair: Oliver Mundell MSP, Co-Convener, Cross-Party Group on Civil Nuclear Industry

Panellists: 

David Calder is head of sustainability and socio-economics at nuclear restoration services Dounreay, supporting the Dounreay delivery business to balance stakeholder needs with a commitment to deliver value for money and a positive community legacy through the Dounreay decommissioning programme. David has spent decades in the oil and gas sector working across the world in senior roles.

Becky Ruddy is fuel cycle area programme director with nuclear restoration services, Dounreay. Becky started her career as a scientific apprentice at Sellafield, working in roles across analytical services, decommissioning and waste before moving to nuclear waste services UK where she led in operational and decommissioning roles such as the sites’ waste manager and head of infrastructure.

Fiona Bruce is head of commercial strategy and business development for nuclear restorations services at Dounreay. Fiona has held a range of roles at Dounreay, covering stakeholder relations and socio economics, executive office management, company secretary, contract management and commercial strategy. She also launched the Highland branch of Women in Nuclear.

James Gunn started his nuclear career as a 16-year-old scientific trainee for the UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) at Dounreay and still works there today as the information and knowledge manager. He is co-author, alongside journalist Iain Grant, of the book, The Atomics, the story of Dounreay’s people, marking the 70th anniversary of Dounreay.