The Torness Alliance was a coalition of groups from across the UK that opposed plans to build a nuclear reactor at Torness, Scotland. It evolved from the Scottish Campaign to Resist the Atomic Menace (SCRAM), which was founded in 1976.
Two SDS officers, HN85 Roger Pearce (‘Roger Thorley’) and HN20 ‘Tony Williams’, took part in mass protests at the Torness site in 1980 and 1981. Lothian police detained both but later released them without charge.
SCRAM and the Torness Alliance led widespread opposition to the nuclear power station. SCRAM organised major protests, including a 1978 occupation of the Torness site by 10,000 people and a camp and mass civil disobedience in 1979.
Torness Alliance activism included lobbying, media campaigns and direct actions such as banner drops and site occupations. The 1978 Torness Declaration outlined the group’s opposition to nuclear power and support for renewables.
Although construction went ahead at Torness, SCRAM’s efforts helped to prevent further nuclear expansion in Scotland and to shut down the nuclear-research site at Dounreay.
Sources:
Rob Edwards, The Ferret: Nine spycops snooped on anti-nuclear protests in Scotland.
Global Non-Violent Direct Action Database: Scottish anti-nuclear power campaign in Torness, 1977.