The Scottish Government has been quizzed at a Hunterston Power Station summit over having a North Ayrshire referendum on a new nuclear site.

Largs resident Jamie Black attended the recent Hunterston Site Stakeholders Group meeting at the Waterside Hotel in Seamill, and posed the issue to a government representative.

Hunterston B closed its nuclear facility in January 2022 after 46 years operating.

Jamie, who is a community councillor, quizzed the official on nuclear energy at the end of the SSG meeting.

Irvine Times: Jamie Black called for North Ayrshire referendum on new nuclear Jamie Black called for North Ayrshire referendum on new nuclear (Image: Newsquest)

Speaking at a recent Largs Community Council meeting, Jamie explained his reasoning and said: "People who I speak to are not necessarily opposed to another development at that site and basically I said to the Scottish Government: 'would you not consider holding a referendum to the people of North Ayrshire whether they would be open to further developments at the site'?

"I was told by the representative that they didn't have a line to the relevant minister and that I would have to individually write to the minister.

"I made the point at the meeting can we not open up the discussion - that site is going to be shut down and off limits for 100 years anyway.

"I asked did they not consider in terms of jobs and the economy could they not have a site there again as it was managed safely for 50 years."

However, despite Jamie's pressing, he told the community council meeting that the Scottish Government "didn't want to know".

Jamie added that it wasn't a community council opinion, and it was a personal opinion, but added that a few community councillors - as well as a number of members of the public - had agreed with his stance regarding holding a referendum and putting it to the people of North Ayrshire regarding hosting new nuclear in future at Hunterston.

The Scottish Government website states: "We recognise the significant contribution that nuclear generation makes to the current energy mix in Scotland; however, we expect its contribution will decrease as we increase electricity generation from renewable and other low carbon sources. 

"The Scottish Energy Strategy confirms our continued opposition to new nuclear stations, under current technologies.

"We are: opposing the build of new nuclear stations, ensuring that radioactive waste in Scotland is managed safely, fulfilling our nuclear responsibilities and engaging with stakeholders on nuclear issues.

"We are aware of increasing interest in the development of new nuclear technologies such as Small Modular Reactors. We have a duty to assess this and all other new technologies based on safety, value for consumers, and contribution to Scotland’s low-carbon economy and energy future.

"We are currently discussing the Nuclear Sector Deal with the UK Government – including the UK’s proposals for decommissioning, and the opportunities it could hold for Scottish businesses."

In 2017, the North Ayrshire Conservatives put forward a motion at North Ayrshire Council which dropped the previous policy of 'no nuclear' in favour of support of a new Hunterston C nuclear station when then featured in the subsequent North Ayrshire Development Plan for the following years.

The Hunterston Site Stakeholders Group meeting meets up quarterly and includes heads of both 'A' and 'B' stations, environment and nuclear regulators, councillors and local community council representatives.