Development agency Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) is applying to the Scottish Land Court for consent to build, operate and, ultimately, decommission Space Hub Sutherland on a crofting estate on the A’Mhoine peninsula.
The spaceport plans have already received planning approval from the Highland Council, with up to 12 launches a year permitted.
Scottish Land Court consent is required as the project would be developed on crofting land, currently classed as common grazing.
The 2,464 acre site (759 acres for core subjects, plus a 1,705-acre exclusion zone) is owned by Melness Crofters Estate, who have granted HIE a lease option.
Infrastructure planned for the spaceport includes a control centre, assembly facilities, offices, roadway, launch pad and antennas. These would occupy up to 13 acres within the core subjects’ area.
Any crofter with livestock on the common grazing would be asked to move their animals for periods around launch days. Removal would be arranged by the committee of the common grazings, who would receive compensation from the developer.
Space Hub Sutherland will be a small-scale, commercial spaceport, launching micro-satellites into orbit. HIE expects satellites launched from Sutherland to be used for telecommunications and Earth observation, including weather mapping and gathering data to monitor climate change.
Vertical launch is recognised as a key element of the UK’s growing space capability and the Sutherland project has the potential to support up to 250 high quality jobs in the Highlands and Islands, including more than 40 at the launch site itself.
Construction is scheduled to begin next year, with a view to first launch potentially taking place before the end of 2022.
Related Articles
Forres firm to boost turnover, cut carbon and create jobs
Investment by Forres-based Maclean’s Highland Bakery will create up to five new jobs
Elgin company to increase efficiency and cut carbon
Highland Galvanizers, is upgrading buildings equipment and infrastructure at is premises in the town’s Pinefield Industrial Estate where it employs 34 people
West coast sand mine steps up production
Lochaline Quartz Sand Limited is set to double its production and increase annual turnover by more than £2.6m.
New head of business growth keen to support more businesses
Liam Orr is to focus on expanding the agency’s portfolio of business clients.
Area team leader appointed at HIE in Orkney
Highlands and Islands Enterprise has announced a new senior appointment to lead its Orkney based team.
Argyll chocolate firm expands to meet growing demand
Fetcha Chocolates Limited is investing in new equipment to quadruple its capacity, increase turnover and create employment.
Construction work begins at Spaceport 1 in North Uist
The space ambitions of the Outer Hebrides have taken a step forward, with the launch of the initial phase of construction of the Spaceport 1 sub-orbital launch site.
Work starts on new business units in Benbecula
HIE has appointed Benbecula company D Macdonald (Building Contractors) Ltd to create seven new units at Eabhal. Business Park
Caithness fabrication firm gears up for big contracts
Gow’s Lybster Limited is installing Migatronic CoWelders that will significantly improve productivity and ensure consistent high-quality workmanship.
Contract awarded for Manufacturing Innovation Centre Moray
A £1.3m contract has been awarded for the refurbishment of a building on Enterprise Park Forres to create the new Manufacturing Innovation Centre Moray (MICM).