RICS Matrics Edinburgh: Site Visit- Torness Nuclear Power Station

Overview

Located on the East Lothian coast near Dunbar, Torness is one of the UK’s key electricity‑generating sites. The visit will centre on Torness’s award‑winning visitor centre and a pre‑arranged guided station tour, offering an educational and factual insight into how nuclear electricity is generated in the UK. 

The visit will begin at the visitor centre, which features interactive exhibits explaining nuclear power, reactor technology, safety systems, and Torness’s role in supplying low‑carbon electricity to millions of homes. This will be followed by a guided tour led by EDF staff, providing an overview of station operations and day‑to‑day working practices. Access to specific operational areas is subject to security and operational constraints and cannot be guaranteed. 

The tour will place particular emphasis on: 

• How nuclear power generation works in practice. 
• Safety, regulation and environmental protection.
• The role of Torness within the UK energy system.
   

Please note that all visits must be booked in advance and are subject to security requirements. Visitors will be required to bring valid photographic ID, comply with site rules, and follow all safety instructions. Photography is not permitted on the station tour, and age restrictions may apply. Due to the visitor centre’s requirements, final attendee numbers must be confirmed by 13 May. 

Visitors will be required to make their own travel arrangements to and from the site; however, attendees are welcome to contact committee members to explore potential car‑sharing options. 

Due to the nature of the site visit, participants must also be fit and able to walk throughout the power station This visit is well suited to those with an interest in energy, engineering, sustainability, and infrastructure. 

Photographs may be taken at this event. If you do not wish to be photographed, please make the Matrics host and/or photographer aware.