Nucleus: The Nuclear and Caithness Archives
Welcome to Nucleus: The Nuclear and Caithness Archives
Located at Wick Airport, Nucleus is home to two remarkable archives:
The Nuclear Archive
These archives span over 70 years of the UK’s civil nuclear history and include plans, drawings, photographs, film, microfiche and documents previously held at various sites across the UK, including Dounreay (Caithness), Harwell (Oxfordshire), Trawsfynydd (Snowdonia), and Sellafield (Cumbria).
At present, nuclear records can only be requested electronically by contacting nucleus.archive@nda.gov.uk.
The Caithness Archive
Dating from 1469 to the present day, these archives include charters, minute books, correspondence, maps, photographs and plans.
These collections are open to the public for local, family history and academic research. Whether you’re tracing ancestors, exploring the history of your home, or studying centuries of Caithness heritage, you’ll find a warm welcome at Nucleus.
Visiting us
Nucleus is open to the public Monday to Friday, 09:00–17:00. Our public searchroom is available for viewing archives between 10:00–16:00.
You’re welcome to drop in anytime, but if you’d like to make the most of your visit, you can pre-book a time and request specific documents in advance.
For details on how to book and what to expect on arrival, please see our visitor information page.
More information
Visitor information
All the information you need to plan your visit to Nucleus: The Nuclear and Caithness Archives
Archives held at the centre
Explore the Caithness Archive Collections
Online catalogue
Discover the rich history of the Highlands through our online catalogue
Can’t visit? We can help
Expert archival and family history research carried out for you by the Highland Archive Service
Family history at Nucleus: The Nuclear and Caithness Archives
Highland Archive Service is here to help you research your family history
One-to-one consultations and family trees
Get expert guidance on family history research, a personal consultation, or a fully researched family tree
Online exhibitions
Explore Highland Archive Service's online exhibitions
Am Baile
Explore the Scottish Highlands and Islands through photographs, illustrations, maps, documents, audio and video
Learning and outreach
Learning and outreach activities and opportunities from the Highland Archive Service
Our Blog
Explore our
online shop
Visit our online shop to explore the products and services available from Highland Archive Service
Donate to Nucleus: The Nuclear and Caithness Archives
The Archive Service preserves, conserves and makes accessible over 700 years of Highland history. There is no charge to visit our Archive Centres and access the collections we hold, but High Life Highland is a charity and we rely on your donations.
Opening times
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mon
09:00 - 17:00
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tue
09:00 - 17:00
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wed
09:00 - 17:00
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thu
09:00 - 17:00
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fri
09:00 - 17:00
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sat
Closed
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sun
Closed
From Bridge Street, Wick follow the A99 north to the top of George Street. Turn right onto Hill Avenue then left onto Ackergill Street. Follow the road to the end where you will reach Nucleus on the right hand side.
From Bridge Street, Wick follow the A99 north onto High Street. Turn right and take the stairs to Coach Road. Continue onto Ackergill Street and follow the road to the end where you will reach Nucleus on the right hand side.
From Bridge Street, Wick follow the A99 north to the top of George Street. Turn right onto Hill Avenue then left onto Ackergill Street. Follow the road to the end where you will reach Nucleus on the right hand side.
There are currently no public transport links to Nucleus.
There is free public parking at Nucleus. If the main car park is full please park in the car park across the road at the airport – the circular car park immediately on your left on turning into the airport is a designated overflow car park for Nucleus. Once you have parked, the main entrance to Nucleus is located at the north end of the building (under the shelter where the points of the triangle meet). Please report to reception on arrival, where staff will welcome you into the building.
Accessibility
- Accessible parking
- Accessible toilets
- Drop off point
- Hearing loop
- Level access
- Level access from entrance to reception
- Level access to all public areas
- Level access to main entrance
- Suitable for visitors with limited mobility
- Wheelchair access throughout
