Space Hub Sutherland group vows transparency over project oversight
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A group set up as a link between developers of Space Hub Sutherland and local communities has pledged to operate in an "open and transparent way".
SHS Community Liaison Group held its inaugural meeting virtually on Tuesday, October 6, when Tongue Community Council chairman David Macleod was appointed chairman and Frances Gunn, of UpNorth! Community Development Trust, as vice-chairwoman.
Highland Council gave the go-ahead to the £17.3 million Space Hub Sutherland earlier this year – it is to be built on Melness Crofters Estate ground at A'Mhoine.
One of the conditions of planning consent was that a liaison group be established. Its remit is to act as a voice for local communities and keep them informed of how the development is progressing.
Among members of the new group are representatives from Farr High School, Melness Crofters Estate, RSPB Scotland and Highland Council.
Mr McLeod said: “Our first meeting was to agree arrangements and terms of reference alongside a number of logistical issues in terms of how we see the group moving forward.
"Each member is tasked with ensuring that information is cascaded via their respective organisations to ensure that views coming forward are representative of the wider community. We plan to operate in a very open and transparent way.
"There will be scrutiny and oversight on the various stages of the project to ensure that our environment is protected while construction of the space hub and its operations progress.
"We also see our role as to help maximise the community and economic benefit to the area."
The group will meet with Highlands and Islands Enterprise shortly to "explore the programme activities and how they plan to discharge their planning obligations".
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