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.
HIE has responded to the announcement by Orbex that it is switching launch operations to SaxaVord Spaceport in Shetland and pausing construction of Sutherland Spaceport.
By the end of November 2024, HIE had paid Orbex £1.963m in grant funding for costs associated with developing Sutherland Spaceport.
Prior to this, HIE had also invested £2.087m directly in the development, along with £2.55m from the UK Space Agency and £2.61m from the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority.
Commenting on Orbex's announcement, an HIE spokesperson said:
“This announcement marks an unexpected change of direction from Orbex.
“It’s important to stress that the company is a very significant player in the UK space sector and a key employer in Moray where it has over 150 skilled jobs at Enterprise Park Forres with plans to expand further.
“It also speaks to the strength of the regional space sector that innovative rockets will be both manufactured and launched into orbit from locations in the Highlands and Islands, and this move will strengthen SaxaVord Spaceport's commercial proposition.
“What is less clear is the impact that Orbex’s decision will have on Sutherland.
“When HIE first began implementing plans for a spaceport on the A’ Mhoine peninsula, back in 2018, it was with a clear intention that this would create new economic opportunities for present and future generations.
“We want to send a clear message to local people in north Sutherland that we are deeply disappointed at this turn of events and remain committed to working with them to develop a positive future for Melness and the surrounding area.”
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