WORK has started at the development of Scotland’s third spaceport site in the Outer Hebrides.
Ground has been broken at Scolpaig Farm in North Uist where Spaceport 1 will be completed and a first lift-off is hoped to take place by autumn 2025.
It is one of three vertical launch sites planned or underway in the Highlands and Islands, with SaxaVord Spaceport on Unst in Shetland and Sutherland Spaceport in Melness.
The site has approval to host up to ten suborbital launches a year.
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Leading the project is Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, which has been granted £947,000 in investment from Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) towards the £2.6m cost of the project. Another £675,000 is being contributed from Comhairle’s 2023-28 Capital Programme.
Councillor Paul Steele, leader of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar said: “Breaking ground at Scolpaig is a considerable milestone for the Comhairle and for Spaceport 1.
“As the UK’s only dedicated commercial sub-orbital launch site, Spaceport 1 will enable end-to-end science, technology and space systems development for the first time on British soil, closing a significant gap in the Space value chain.
“The awarding of the construction contract to a local firm is welcome and will ensure localised benefit throughout this stage of the project.”
Kathleen Stewart, HIE’s Innse Gall area team leader, said: “We’re pleased to be working with the Comhairle to progress the enabling works, which will support the establishment of a sub-orbital launch site.
“This is an innovative project that we expect to generate many social benefits and employment opportunities for the Outer Hebrides.
“This development in North Uist will play an important role in advancing the Scottish and UK space industries while creating high-quality jobs and helping to retain young people and attract more people to live on the islands.”
New and upgraded tracks for access, parking, and culvert upgrades at Loch Scolpaig are also to be constructed.
More than 100 people signed a petition rejecting the plans with concerns for nearby fishing grounds and environmental sites including bird sanctuaries.
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