Dounreay stars receive Decommissioning Excellence Awards

SEVEN sets of Dounreay stars have been handed Decommissioning Excellence Awards.

The highlight of the presentation evening at Thurso's Weigh Inn hotel proved an emotional one, as the site’s cleaning team was named the first winner of the Steve Beckitt Award.

This was originally intended as an executive special recognition award for "unsung heroes". Steve, who was interim managing director, had already picked the team as a winner before he unexpectedly passed away in November, aged 55.

Health, safety and environment department manager Pete Thompson, who presented the prize alongside colleague Phil Cartwright, head of reactor operations, said: “This feels like an appropriate legacy following the incredibly sad news of Steve’s passing. He believed in the workforce and I feel sure he would be proud that we are using his name to recognise people who quietly do their best to support Dounreay day in, day out, without any fuss.”

Meanwhile, six other winners took prizes linked to the company’s values – zero harm, respect, pride, delivery, innovation and confidence.

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