A visualisation of satellites being launched into orbit from the Space Port in Sutherland.
By Ramsay Banks,
Published by The Northern Times, 25 August 2026
Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) has acquired the assets of “prime location” Sutherland Spaceport Ltd (SSL) from joint liquidators, Chad Griffin and Graham Smith of FRP Advisory.
SSL was established in 2020 by Moray space launch company Orbital Express Ltd (Orbex), which entered administration in February. SSL was liquidated in June.
The company was set up to launch satellites into orbit from a ten-acre, community-owned site near Tongue on the A’ Mhoine peninsula.
HIE leased the site from community landowner Melness Crofters’ Estate and sublet it to SSL, which invested in a 1.6-mile floating access road across the peatland, along with other infrastructure.
Having now acquired SSL’s assets, HIE will ponder how best to use the site to create economic benefits for the local community.
David Oxley, director of strategic projects at HIE, lauded the Highlands and Islands as a prime position for vertical launches.
He said: “The Highlands and Islands is the best region in the UK for vertical launch, boasting a northern latitude, low population density and proximity to the coast.
“All of these features are highly prized by space companies and make Sutherland a prime location for launch.
“Our acquisition of SSL’s assets creates a great opportunity for future development with the potential to create highly skilled jobs and training opportunities on-site and support the growth of supply chain businesses.
“Having acquired these assets, our next move will be to work with the local community and players in the space sector to inform future decisions on how to make the most of the spaceport’s potential to deliver long-term economic benefits.”
Stephen Flynn, cabinet secretary for economy, tourism and transport, believes the acquisition will be beneficial to Sutherland.
He said: ”HIE’s acquisition of the Sutherland Spaceport ensures that the work undertaken by Orbex can be taken forward to serve as a valuable asset for the local Sutherland community and Scotland’s growing space sector, as well as a significant economic opportunity for the region.
“The north of Scotland is perfectly placed to serve as a focus for the launch market and I look forward to this marking a fresh and successful chapter in the region – and the nation’s – space capabilities.”
Dorothy Pritchard, chair of Melness crofters’ estate, hopes HIE will use the site to its full potential.
She said: ”Melness Crofters’ Estate welcome the recent acquisition of the lease by HIE and anticipate seeing the previously mothballed spaceport site back in active development.
“HIE are demonstrating their commitment to unlocking the potential the space industry can bring to Sutherland, Caithness and the wider UK, delivering regional growth and prosperity.
“Even though the spaceport site is not fully complete, the rental received from it has already had a positive impact, allowing MCE to begin the development of its affordable community housing project, as well as financially supporting our community centre and our recently acquired, community-owned church; none of which would have been possible without the finance created by the income to MCE from the spaceport.
“We look forward to seeing the project progress and to the positive impacts it can deliver for local businesses, communities and the wider economy.”
See: Original Article
