The Atomics: A Look Into Scotland's Nuclear Families

By Madina Burkhanova

There is a certain eeriness that we associate with anything to do with the nuclear; when the subject arises, historical tragedies typically come to mind. This is not a reaction without base, as events such as Chernobyl or Fukushima Daiichi dominate most media in relation to nuclear plants to this day. Although it is rare for nuclear generators to be associated with the positive, such is the case for the Dounreay power centre. A series of recently released photographs from the 1950s to the 70s depict the sitcom-esque lives of The Atomics, the moniker applied to the families of workers at the Dounreay plant. The photographs are not attributed to an individual but instead to the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA for short).

The Dounreay plant under construction, undated, UKAEA.

In the process of being decommissioned, the Dounreay plant is located in the highlands of Scotland. The project surrounding the plant consisted of 1,007 homes built for employees and their families. These homes were exceedingly modern for their time; a mix of Swedish-design wood-based houses and maisonettes were constructed to appeal to workers who could be deterred at the prospect of having to live near and work in a nuclear power compound. To further the attraction of the living prospects, the houses were fitted with modern assets such as under-floor heating - avante-garde for the fifties, to say the least.

Houses in the Dounreay complex, undated. UKAEA.

The catalyst? Rent prices! Rent was generally said to be in the one pound to two pound bracket per month, with most family homes being approximately one pound and fifty pence. This, for the time, was an incredible deal - previous employee David Lord, who moved to Dounreay to work on the plant, described the rent as “next to nothing.”

What were they paying for? Images found from the UKAEA archives show an immaculately organised neighbourhood with plenty of living space, undoubtedly a great element of appeal to those with children. Pictures of the interior of houses show a utopian format that almost seems fictional.

An aerial image of the housing complex, 1959. UKAEA.

A typical lounge in the Atomic housing, 1978. UKAEA.

Although the Dounreay project catered mostly to families, there were living arrangements made for those who came alone as well. Bachelors were often appointed to shared flats, and while comfort was still a priority, they lacked the space that was assigned to those with children and spouses.

In partnership with the BBC, several former Atomics spoke of their experience living on the premises; James Gunn, a former knowledge manager, spoke highly of the sense of community and the enjoyment that could be found for those who enjoyed the outdoors. Similarly, Jamie McAffrey described how his move to Dounreay has led to generations of his family settling in the highland town - in fact, in the same structures that were initially intended to house workers of the plant.

Although many organisations (such as the BBC) have briefly delved into the unique nature of the Dounreay community and detailed the feeling of collectivism in the compound, none have explored the potential sense of isolation. One can imagine that living on an entirely remote compound with a limited number of people could lead to an uncanny detachedness, and although efforts were made to integrate the workers and their families into the pre-existing Dounreay community, the housing complex of the plant ultimately resulted in a geographical separation.

This is a particularly interesting time to be discussing the Dounreay power plant, as just under a month ago, particles of nuclear matter were found in Caithness by the Dounreay Site Restoration committee. The organisation, dedicated to the clean up and decommissioning of the plant, found fragments of irradiated nuclear fuel that posed a community risk; the highest levels of radioactivity in the area since 1996. This discovery is a sobering reminder of the possible dangers of nuclear power plants, and a subtle nod at the risk that the Atomics took by bringing themselves and their families.

Dounreay is undoubtedly unique in so many ways, but there is an element of awe involved for the diligence the UKAEA practised by documenting such a remarkable period. From aerial views to personal tableaus, the photographs taken by the organisation offer a comprehensive view of life at the Dounreay power plant. Now on exhibit in Caithness in a collection titled “Atomic Housing,” the photographs are a reminder to respect the art forms that allow us access to such extraordinary moments in time.

Bibliography

Campsie, Alison. “Meet the ‘Atomics’: The new arrivals in a Scottish town that expanded at a nuclear rate.” The Scotsman: National World Publishing Ltd., 18th September 2021.

McKenzie, Steven. “The Atomics: The early days of Scotland’s first nuclear families.” The BBC, 3rd November 2022.

Savva, Anna. “Dounreay nuclear plant radiation scare over high numbers of 'harmful' radioactive

particles”. Scottish Daily Express, 29th October 2022.

The BBC. “Dounreay: World’s deepest nuclear clean-up to begin.” BBC, 9th September 2020.