Last of the nuke f lights
A FLIGHT believed to be carrying nuclear waste from the decommissioned Dounreay power station to the US flew out of Scotland yesterday.
Although the authorities refused to confirm details, it is understood a US Air Force jet took off from Wick John O’Groats Airport carrying enriched uranium in reinforced steel flasks.
Transport of such dangerous material has proved highly controversial, but an informed source said yesterday’s flight would be the last.
Security was tight with the UK terror threat set by MI5 at ‘severe’, the second highest category, and roads were sealed off. The jet arrived at 12.04pm and 20 minutes later the motor convoy believed to be carrying the flasks arrived.
Dozens of armed police stood guard as the cargo was loaded on to a USAF C-17 Globemaster transporter in a two-hour operation. The jet then took off for RAF Lossiemouth in Moray to refuel before heading to the States.
The flights began after a deal between the US and UK for enriched uranium to be flown to the US in return for medical-grade uranium.