Government pledge over £17.3m Sutherland spaceport
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The UK Government has said it is fully behind plans to develop a £17.3 million spaceport in north Sutherland.
Science minister Amanda Solloway made the commitment following an approach from Jamie Stone, the Liberal Democrat MP for Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross.
Mr Stone had written to the Prime Minister and science minister last month seeking a reassurance over the project.
He specifically asked that support be given to Melness Crofters' Estate in its campaign to have the spaceport constructed on land it owns on the A’Mhoine peninsula.
Mr Stone said he had now received a response from Ms Solloway and had shared it with the area’s MSP, Gail Ross, and Melness crofters.
Ms Solloway stated: “The Government remains committed to supporting ambitions to develop a spaceport at Sutherland and those firms wishing to launch from the site. Therefore, I was greatly encouraged to learn that the Sutherland project has the firm support of the Melness crofters.”
Mr Stone said: “It’s fantastic news for all those who value the importance of the project to the local economy in Sutherland and the high-skilled jobs it will bring.
“The Government supports it, Gail and I support it, the Melness Crofters' Estate supports it. I am glad to receive some positive news in what has been a difficult few weeks.
"I hope that local people will be assured by the government’s support and continue to back the spaceport.”
Mrs Ross, the SNP MSP for Caithness, Sutherland and Ross, said: “Sutherland desperately needs the investment and employment that the spaceport would bring.
“The Government’s support for the spaceport is critical – Sutherland needs to know that when coronavirus passes there will be the hope of inward investment and employment opportunities.”
Melness Crofters' Estate chairwoman Dorothy Pritchard said: “In this unprecedented time, of national hardship and difficulty, it is heartening to hear some positive news.
“Melness Crofters’ Estate thanks minister Solloway for her supportive statement and look forward to the Sutherland spaceport project progressing once the threat of Covid-19 is over.”
