Sutherland Spaceport: Access restrictions proposed at A' Mhoine peninsula
New byelaws to restrict access to a huge swathe of land on the north coast are being brought forward as the countdown to satellite launches continues.
Highland Council will promote the proposed byelaws on behalf of Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) to restrict public access rights during launches at the Sutherland Spaceport near Tongue.
The proposals will be made available for inspection and a 12-week public consultation will take place.
In order to safely undertake a launch, an area of land larger than the launch pad complex is required to be clear of people.
The Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003 allows for local authorities to make byelaws under certain provisions which the council says are valid for the management of the public during launch events.
It is proposed that the access restriction will come into force at specific times detailed on notices on site and through digital and/or print media.
A report on the public consultation and proposed byelaws will be brought to a future meeting of Highland Council for consideration.
The Sutherland Spaceport, the UK mainland’s first vertical launch site, is located on the A’ Mhòine peninsula, west of Tongue.
