Neil Money, the chief executive at Caithness and Sutherland Enterprise (CASE) has handed over the reins at the enterprise company for the next six months to take on a new challenge.

Mr Money will work up a strategy on how the Highlands and Islands can maximise the opportunities which the decommissioning of Dounreay can offer the area. CASE has already devoted much time and resources into identifying the potential of decommissioning, but the secondment of Mr Money will take this another step forward.

The move comes following the recent submission to Government of a Dounreay Site Restoration Plan by the United Kingdon Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA). This consultation document envisages that by the time decommissioning is completed by the middle of the century, few jobs will remain at the site which will consist mainly of managed storage areas.

Chief executive at Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) Sandy Cumming said: "The decommisioning at Dounreay is one of the most important developments for the Highlands and Islands over the next 3-4 decades. It is essential that we identify the opportunities this process can provide so that maximum benefit is gained for the area. Neil's background and experience as the chief executive of CASE is ideal for this role.

"Identifying and sustaining employment in the longer term to take account of the eventual reduction in jobs at Dounreay will also be investigated. The next 2-3 years will be critical in developing and implementing a strategy to these ends. The potential economic benefits could drift away from the area and be lost forever if we do not undertake this process now."

Director of UKAEA at Dounreay, Peter Welsh said: "Dounreay has been an important economic contributor to the Highland economy for many years and whilst we acknowledge that our role in the local economy as a major employer will eventually be less than it is now, we hope that by planning for the future and working in conjunction with the HIE network, we can maximise the benefits for the Highlands and Islands during decommissioning and minimise its effects after its completion."

Mr Money will take up the job on a six month secondment and work from the premises of Caithness and Sutherland Enterprise in Thurso.

Carroll Buxton, the present head of executive office at CASE has stepped in as acting chief executive and takes full responsibility for the day to day operation of the company with immediate effect.

Chairman of CASE Jack Watson said: "This new role will take up 100 per cent of Neil's time which means he cannot and would not have time to manage the normal day to day running of CASE. It wouldn't be fair on the staff or our clients. Carroll's role will be to take up Neil's present workload and ensure a seamless transition while Neil is on secondment."