Sutherland spaceport plan is ‘not dead’ says HIE
The plans to establish a spaceport in north Sutherland remain very much live, according to Highlands and Islands Enterprise.
It was thought the project had been killed off when would-be operators Orbex opted to launch its first batch of commercial satellites from SaxaVord in Shetland.
But renewed hope for the site at A’Mhoine, near Melness, was provided last month by the Forres-based firm.
It then indicated it envisaged returning to the site to restart construction work in 2027 with a view to the first rockets being launched the following year.
Highlands and Islands Enterprise, meanwhile, have been involved in a recent round of talks with Orbex about its future programme.
HIE’s Caithness and Sutherland manager Eann Sinclair provided an update for members of Dounreay Stakeholder Group (DSG) at their meeting in Thurso last Wednesday..
Mr Sinclair said he was limited in what he could say because of commercial confidentiality and legal issues.
But he made clear that HIE foresees the Moine being deployed as a launchpad for satellites.
“This project is not dead,” he said. “We’re still at the legal discussion stage but by the end of this month we’ll probably have a better understanding of our legal position and what the future operation will look like, going forward.”
Peter Faccenda, programme manager of development agency Focus North, said: “Our interest is in the socio-economic benefits this is going to bring, particularly in such a rural area.
“We’re looking to attract good, high-quality jobs in the region as a result.”
DSG member Tor Justad restated the opposition his organisation, Highlands Against Nuclear Power, has to spaceports deployed for military or surveillance uses.
Believing it is highly unlikely the Sutherland site will be used, he repeated his call for the public investment in it to be repaid.
The 10-hectare piece of land is leased to HIE by Melness Crofters’ Estate, which sub-leases it to Orbex.
The Scottish Government and HIE have invested nearly £9 million in the project.
