Dounreay Nuclear Power Development Establishment was established in 1955 to develop a Fast Breeder Reactor. This remote area was chosen for safety in the event of an explosion. The iconic sphere is that of the 2nd reactor which went critical in 1959. From 1962 until decomissioning in 1977 it delivered over 600 million kWh of electricity to the National Grid. There was an initial idea of retaining the dome for historic reasons but that has now been abandoned which means it will eventually be demolished.
