29th July 2025
£1 Million Boost for Caithness and North Sutherland Fund
The Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) has made a significant £1 million commitment to the Caithness and North Sutherland Fund (CNSF) over the next three years. This additional funding is fantastic news for the region and will enable the Fund to continue its successful efforts in supporting community-powered initiatives across Caithness and North Sutherland.
The Fund was set up by the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) and Dounreay Site Restoration Limited (DSRL), now NRS Dounreay, in 2011 to provide grants to local community organisations for projects that enhance the region’s attractiveness as a place to live, work, and invest. Since its establishment, CNSF has awarded £3.29 million to 251 community projects, with a combined estimated value exceeding £15.5 million. These initiatives have brought substantial improvements throughout the Dounreay Travel to Work Area, reflecting the Fund’s key themes of environmental, social, cultural, and infrastructure development.
From playparks and sporting events to cultural festivals and infrastructure upgrades, CNSF has played a vital role in supporting a wide range of diverse and impactful projects in the region. Recent funding highlights include:
Thurso Community Café, Mental Wellbeing Project
Funding supported the development of a youth hangout space, offering a safe, welcoming environment for young people in the evenings. The project also introduced a mentorship scheme and a Water Wellness Group, providing outdoor activity opportunities, including surfing lessons, to promote mental and physical wellbeing.
Caithness Youth Pipe Band, Tartan Parade Participation
A grant enabled the band to participate in the Tartan Parade Scotland in Edinburgh, giving talented young musicians from Caithness the opportunity to perform on a national stage. This support is helping to overcome geographical barriers and ensure access to major events for young people in the North Highlands.
Wick Development Trust, Wick River Campsite Upgrade
CNSF funding contributed to the delivery of a state-of-the-art, fully accessible, energy-efficient, net-zero toilet and facilities building, as part of a wider three-year upgrade to the Wick River Campsite. The project introduced modern amenities, including toilets, showers, and laundry facilities, enhancing the visitor experience, boosting Wick’s appeal as a destination, and creating new local employment opportunities.
Helmsdale & District Development Trust, Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA)
CNSF was pleased to support the development of a high-quality Multi-Use Games Area in Helmsdale. This versatile facility provides a year-round space for all ages to enjoy a range of sports and activities, from football to pickleball, encouraging active lifestyles and strengthening community ties.
This substantial funding award reflects the Fund’s strong track record of responsible stewardship over the past 13 years and underscores the significant socio-economic benefits it has helped deliver across the region.
The NDA is the UK government body responsible for the safe, secure and sustainable decommissioning of the UK’s oldest nuclear sites, including NRS Dounreay.
NDA Director of Socio-Economics, Jamie Reed, said: “We’re delighted to renew our support for the Fund and enable them to continue the valuable work they are doing – it’s a testament to the success of the programme so far.
“These projects are really making a difference and help us deliver on our promise to the local community that we’ll leave a positive legacy that will continue to benefit the region’s people, places, and economy, long after our mission is complete.”
NRS Dounreay Head of Sustainability and Socio Economics, Dave Calder, said: “It’s testament to the fund and the impact it has had over a number of years that the NDA have continued to offer support beyond its intended life span. The fund plays a vital role in the suite of interventions the NDA and NRS Dounreay provide in the local area for the benefit of the community, and this announcement acknowledges that recognition.”
Caithness and North Sutherland Fund Board Chair, Fiona Forbes, said: “I am delighted that the NDA have provided more funding to CNSF for the next 3 years. This will sustain the fabulous work of the Fund in the local area.”
About the Caithness & North Sutherland Fund
The Caithness & North Sutherland Fund was established by the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority and Dounreay Site Restoration Ltd to distribute resources aimed at increasing the region’s appeal as a place to live, work, and invest. The Fund is administered by Caithness Chamber of Commerce.
Funding applications ranging from £1,000 to £30,000 are available on a quarterly basis. These funds are open to voluntary or community organisations, school parent councils, community groups, community councils, community development trusts, and local councils located within the Dounreay Travel to Work Area.
