Housing

A major programme of house-building occurred during the early construction and operation of Dounreay in the 1950s and early 1960s.

The UK Atomic Energy Authority built 1007 houses and flats, mostly in Thurso, and let these to incoming workers.

UKAEA adopted a "right to buy" policy and by the early 1990s its stock had reduced to 351 rented properties, along with 474 garages.

UKAEA decided to sell off its remaining stock as part of the rundown of the site that occurred after the Government announced in 1988 the end of the UK fast reactor programme.

Pentland Housing Association, a voluntary-run body set up by residents and tenants to bid for the properties, successfully acquired the stock in 1993.

Bookmark and Share
Image: Temporary housing in Thurso for the earliest employees

Temporary housing in Thurso for the earliest employees

Image: St Magnus Road, Thurso, under construction in early 1960s

St Magnus Road, Thurso, under construction in early 1960s

Image: St Magnus Road, Thurso, in 2006

St Magnus Road, Thurso, in 2006

Image: St Olaf Road, Thurso, under construction in the 1950s

St Olaf Road, Thurso, under construction in the 1950s

Image: St Olaf Road, Thurso, in 2006

St Olaf Road, Thurso, in 2006