Sea 'likely' Dounreay radiation source

The plant is sited close to the sea

The UK Atomic Energy Authority says a highly radioactive particle found near the ruins of Dounreay Castle in Caithness is likely to have come from the sea.

UKAEA said an internal inquiry into the discovery had confirmed that it originated from the sea, despite allegations that the particle came from the Dounreay nuclear plant.

The Scottish Environment Protection Agency ordered an investigation into the particle's discovery last year.

Campaigners say the plant is the source

Dounreay management said the findings contradict what they call ill-informed and misleading allegations made by the anti-nuclear campaigner Lorraine Mann.

However, Ms Mann said she had no confidence in the in-house investigation and has called for an independent probe to take place.

The particle, no larger than a grain of sand, is one of 12 found close to Dounreay since 1983.

Campaigners wanted the nearby Sandside Beach to be closed amid fears the general public could come into contact with the particles.

The UKAEA has combed the beach area using powerful wheel-mounted Geiger counters.