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The Chapelcross nuclear power station near Annan in southern Scotland began construction in 1955, involving some 2,000 workers and marking Scotland’s first foray into nuclear energy. Opening officially in May 1959, it ran for approximately 45 years before shutting down in 2004. Since then, the site has been undergoing a lengthy decommissioning process. Despite the plant no longer producing electricity, it remains a significant location with plans to pivot towards green energy initiatives, potentially extending its contribution to the nation’s energy landscape in new ways.
At its peak, Chapelcross was a major presence both visually and economically. The facility featured four large cooling towers—71 feet tall—which became a well-known landmark until their demolition in 2007. The plant could supply sufficient electricity to cover demand across southwest Scotland, the Borders, and Cumbria. Besides power generation, it also produced crucial materials for atomic weapons. Employment at the site reached over 700 people during its busiest times, supporting the local community and shaping housing developments in the surrounding area.
Richard Murray, the site director for Nuclear Restoration Services, has witnessed much of Chapelcross’s history firsthand. Having started as an apprentice in 1987, Murray has spent more than three decades at the plant. “I’m an Annan person, born and bred,” he shared. “At its peak, it was well in excess of 700 people employed here. It was a 24/7 operation, 365 days a year—parts of the town of Annan were built to accommodate the site in terms of housing workers.” Even now, around 200 employees remain engaged in the decommissioning work, though the scale of staffing is smaller than during the station’s operational days.
While there was some discussion about replacing Chapelcross with a new nuclear facility, the Scottish government prefers to avoid new nuclear construction. Instead, the focus is shifting toward transforming the site into a green energy hub. This includes exploring hydrogen, solar power, battery storage, and renewable technology development. Laura Moodie from the Scottish Greens expressed support for this direction, stating, “Turning the site into a green energy hub is a great opportunity. It means clean power, good jobs, and a real step towards tackling the climate crisis.” Meanwhile, Graeme Anderson, chief executive of CX Power, the strategic developer behind the green energy plans, emphasized that efforts are in early stages. He noted the importance of engaging with local communities and stakeholders to create long-lasting benefits that build on the site’s pioneering role in Scotland’s energy history
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