Space Hub Sutherland
A New Frontier for Scotland’s Highlands
I’ve written quite a lot about rural communities. I have a concern that they are not allowed to grow, that highly prescriptive planning regulations make it difficult to build the homes that would enable local young people and families to live and work in the places where they are born.
It sometimes feels that, with the best of intentions, innovation in rural communities is stifled, businesses find it hard to grow and where they employ staff, they can’t find affordable accommodation and homes.
When I write about the sensitive growth of villages, the repurposing of buildings and restoration of ruins for off grid living and other issues, overwhelmingly the messages I get are ones of support. The situation reminds me of the time of the absentee landlords, large landowners who didn’t necessarily look after the homes and the people, on their estates.
It can feel that planning rules are made in large cities, whereas country people want housing and jobs. So, it is great to see transformative ground up (more or less) transformative change.
The Space Hub Sutherland, also known as UK Vertical Launch (UKVL) Sutherland, represents a pioneering venture in the Scottish Highlands. It aims to establish the United Kingdom’s first vertical launch spaceport. Situated on the A’ Mhòine peninsula near Tongue, Sutherland, this ambitious project seeks to position Scotland as a key player in the global space industry.
By exploring the origins of the project, the hurdles it faced, and its potential for economic and social development, this essay highlights the transformative impact of Space Hub Sutherland, a very remote region, and underscores the broader significance of Scotland’s burgeoning space sector, supported by industry and regional development statistics.
It is a tale of our time, and we need more of them.
Origins of the Space Hub Sutherland Project
The concept for Space Hub Sutherland emerged in 2018. It was announced at the Farnborough Air Show as a collaborative effort between Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE), the UK Space Agency, and commercial partners. The partners include rocket manufacturer Orbex and initially Lockheed Martin.
The project aimed to capitalize on Scotland’s geographic advantages, such as its northern latitude and proximity to the coast, which provide ideal conditions for launching small satellites into polar and sun-synchronous orbits, accounting for 95% of future orbital requirements (Focus North, 2023).
The A’ Mhòine peninsula was selected over other Scottish locations, including Unst in Shetland and North Uist in the Western Isles, due to its minimal population density and open flight trajectories that avoid populated areas (Sutherland Spaceport, 2024).
The project was driven by Scotland’s growing reputation as a hub for small satellite manufacturing, producing more satellites than any other European country (Space Scotland, 2023). With a £17.3 million budget, including £2.5 million from the UK government, Space Hub Sutherland was seen as a cornerstone of a Northern Space Cluster, integrating with Orbex’s rocket manufacturing facilities in Forres, Moray. The spaceport, designed to support Orbex’s Prime rocket, which uses eco-friendly bio-propane fuel, aimed to conduct up to 12 launches annually, positioning the Highlands as a gateway to low Earth orbit (HIE, 2021).
The Global Space Industry
The community has tapped into a growing market. I’d like to share a few key statistics to give context.
The global space economy, valued at £270 billion in 2019, is projected to reach £490 billion by 2030. This underscores the strategic importance of spaceports like Sutherland (Scottish Science Advisory Council, 2024). Scotland’s space industry, comprising 173 companies in 2021, contributes over £4 billion annually to the economy and employs 8,440 people, representing one-fifth of UK space sector jobs (Wikipedia, 2021).
The country’s leadership in small satellite manufacturing, driven by companies like AAC Clyde Space in Glasgow, positions it to capture a significant share of the £4 billion global small satellite launch market by 2030 (HIE, 2021).
The demand for vertical launch capabilities is evident in the 95% of future orbital requirements that polar and sun-synchronous orbits fulfill, which Sutherland is ideally suited to serve (Focus North, 2023). With over 220 space organizations in Scotland, including data analytics firms in Edinburgh and launch providers like Orbex, the region’s end-to-end capability in satellite manufacturing, launch, and data analysis is a unique asset in Europe (Heriot-Watt University, 2024).
The establishment of Space Hub Sutherland addresses the need for domestic launch infrastructure, reducing reliance on foreign facilities and enhancing the UK’s position in the global space race.
Economic and Social Development in Sutherland
The Highlands and Islands face economic challenges, with a GDP per capita of £24,600 in 2020, below Scotland’s average of £29,600 (Scottish Government, 2021). Unemployment in Caithness and Sutherland stood at 4.2% in 2022, higher than the national average of 3.5% (Nomis, 2022). Space Hub Sutherland’s projected 740 jobs and £56 million annual economic impact could significantly alleviate these disparities, particularly in a region with a population of just 39,000 in Caithness and Sutherland (National Records of Scotland, 2021).
Socially, the Highlands experience outmigration, with a 1.2% population decline between 2011 and 2020, compared to Scotland’s 3.4% growth (National Records of Scotland, 2021). Educational attainment in STEM subjects is critical, yet only 26% of secondary school pupils in the Highlands pursue advanced STEM qualifications, compared to 32% nationally (Scottish Qualifications Authority, 2022). Initiatives tied to the spaceport, such as STEM outreach programs, aim to bridge this gap, fostering local talent and reducing brain drain.
It would be a sea change if this could be turned around. The Space Hub could eb the start of this.
Space Hub Sutherland promises significant economic and social benefits for the Highlands, a region historically marked by economic decline and depopulation. The spaceport is expected to directly employ 40 people at the Melness site, with an additional 400 jobs supported indirectly across the Highlands and Islands, contributing to a projected £56 million annual economic boost by 2030 (Press and Journal, 2021).
When combined with Orbex’s operations in Moray, the Northern Space Cluster could generate 740 jobs in the region and £90 million in gross value added (GVA) for Scotland’s economy (Press and Journal, 2021). These figures align with the Scottish Government’s projection that the national space sector will contribute £4 billion annually by 2030, up from £298 million currently, and increase its workforce fivefold from 8,440 employees (Heriot-Watt University, 2024).
Socially, the project aims to inspire and educate the next generation, particularly in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) fields. Initiatives like the Scottish Space Academy’s space-themed modules, delivered to secondary school pupils in the Highlands, highlight career pathways in the space sector (HIE, 2022).
The proximity to the decommissioning Dounreay nuclear facility provides a pool of skilled labor, facilitating workforce transition to high-tech industries. Moreover, the spaceport’s potential to attract “rocket-spotting” tourism could diversify the local economy, complementing traditional sectors like agriculture and fishing (National Geographic, 2021).
However, social challenges persist, including ensuring inclusivity and minimizing disruption to crofting communities. The Melness Crofters Estate has emphasized balancing economic opportunities with preserving the region’s cultural and environmental heritage (BBC News, 2021). Programs like the New Voices Group, supported by Space Scotland, promote diversity and accessibility in the space sector, aiming to create a workforce reflective of Scottish society (Space Scotland, 2023).
Hurdles to Overcome
It sometimes feels that, with the best of intentions, innovation in rural communities is stifled, businesses find it hard to grown and where they employ staff, they can’t find affordable accommodation and homes.
Whwn I write about the sensitive growth of villages, the repurposing off buildings and restoration of ruins for off grid living and other issues, overwhelmingly the messages I get are ones of support. The situation reminds me of the time of the absentee landlords, large landowners who didn’t necessarily look after the homes and the people, on their estates.
It can feel that planning rules are made in large cities, whereas country people want housing and jobs. So it is great to see transformative ground up (more or less) transformative change.
The Space Hub Sutherland, also known as UK Vertical Launch (UKVL) Sutherland, represents a pioneering venture in the Scottish Highlands. It aims to establish the United Kingdom’s first vertical launch spaceport. Situated on the A’ Mhòine peninsula near Tongue, Sutherland, this ambitious project seeks to position Scotland as a key player in the global space industry.
By exploring the origins of the project, the hurdles it faced, and its potential for economic and social development, this essay highlights the transformative impact of Space Hub Sutherland, a very remote region, and underscores the broader significance of Scotland’s burgeoning space sector, supported by industry and regional development statistics.
It is a tale of our time, and we need more of them.
Origins of the Space Hub Sutherland Project
The concept for Space Hub Sutherland emerged in 2018. It was announced at the Farnborough Air Show as a collaborative effort between Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE), the UK Space Agency, and commercial partners. The partners include rocket manufacturer Orbex and initially Lockheed Martin.
The project aimed to capitalize on Scotland’s geographic advantages, such as its northern latitude and proximity to the coast, which provide ideal conditions for launching small satellites into polar and sun-synchronous orbits, accounting for 95% of future orbital requirements (Focus North, 2023).
The A’ Mhòine peninsula was selected over other Scottish locations, including Unst in Shetland and North Uist in the Western Isles, due to its minimal population density and open flight trajectories that avoid populated areas (Sutherland Spaceport, 2024).
The project was driven by Scotland’s growing reputation as a hub for small satellite manufacturing, producing more satellites than any other European country (Space Scotland, 2023). With a £17.3 million budget, including £2.5 million from the UK government, Space Hub Sutherland was seen as a cornerstone of a Northern Space Cluster, integrating with Orbex’s rocket manufacturing facilities in Forres, Moray. The spaceport, designed to support Orbex’s Prime rocket, which uses eco-friendly bio-propane fuel, aimed to conduct up to 12 launches annually, positioning the Highlands as a gateway to low Earth orbit (HIE, 2021).
The Global Space Industry
The community has tapped into a growing market. I’d like to share a few key statistics to give context.
The global space economy, valued at £270 billion in 2019, is projected to reach £490 billion by 2030. This underscores the strategic importance of spaceports like Sutherland (Scottish Science Advisory Council, 2024). Scotland’s space industry, comprising 173 companies in 2021, contributes over £4 billion annually to the economy and employs 8,440 people, representing one-fifth of UK space sector jobs (Wikipedia, 2021).
The country’s leadership in small satellite manufacturing, driven by companies like AAC Clyde Space in Glasgow, positions it to capture a significant share of the £4 billion global small satellite launch market by 2030 (HIE, 2021).
The demand for vertical launch capabilities is evident in the 95% of future orbital requirements that polar and sun-synchronous orbits fulfill, which Sutherland is ideally suited to serve (Focus North, 2023). With over 220 space organizations in Scotland, including data analytics firms in Edinburgh and launch providers like Orbex, the region’s end-to-end capability in satellite manufacturing, launch, and data analysis is a unique asset in Europe (Heriot-Watt University, 2024).
The establishment of Space Hub Sutherland addresses the need for domestic launch infrastructure, reducing reliance on foreign facilities and enhancing the UK’s position in the global space race.
Economic and Social Development in Sutherland
The Highlands and Islands face economic challenges, with a GDP per capita of £24,600 in 2020, below Scotland’s average of £29,600 (Scottish Government, 2021). Unemployment in Caithness and Sutherland stood at 4.2% in 2022, higher than the national average of 3.5% (Nomis, 2022). Space Hub Sutherland’s projected 740 jobs and £56 million annual economic impact could significantly alleviate these disparities, particularly in a region with a population of just 39,000 in Caithness and Sutherland (National Records of Scotland, 2021).
Socially, the Highlands experience outmigration, with a 1.2% population decline between 2011 and 2020, compared to Scotland’s 3.4% growth (National Records of Scotland, 2021). Educational attainment in STEM subjects is critical, yet only 26% of secondary school pupils in the Highlands pursue advanced STEM qualifications, compared to 32% nationally (Scottish Qualifications Authority, 2022). Initiatives tied to the spaceport, such as STEM outreach programs, aim to bridge this gap, fostering local talent and reducing brain drain.
It would be a sea change if this could be turned around. The Space Hub could eb the start of this.
Space Hub Sutherland promises significant economic and social benefits for the Highlands, a region historically marked by economic decline and depopulation. The spaceport is expected to directly employ 40 people at the Melness site, with an additional 400 jobs supported indirectly across the Highlands and Islands, contributing to a projected £56 million annual economic boost by 2030 (Press and Journal, 2021).
When combined with Orbex’s operations in Moray, the Northern Space Cluster could generate 740 jobs in the region and £90 million in gross value added (GVA) for Scotland’s economy (Press and Journal, 2021). These figures align with the Scottish Government’s projection that the national space sector will contribute £4 billion annually by 2030, up from £298 million currently, and increase its workforce fivefold from 8,440 employees (Heriot-Watt University, 2024).
Socially, the project aims to inspire and educate the next generation, particularly in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) fields. Initiatives like the Scottish Space Academy’s space-themed modules, delivered to secondary school pupils in the Highlands, highlight career pathways in the space sector (HIE, 2022).
The proximity to the decommissioning Dounreay nuclear facility provides a pool of skilled labor, facilitating workforce transition to high-tech industries. Moreover, the spaceport’s potential to attract “rocket-spotting” tourism could diversify the local economy, complementing traditional sectors like agriculture and fishing (National Geographic, 2021).
However, social challenges persist, including ensuring inclusivity and minimizing disruption to crofting communities. The Melness Crofters Estate has emphasized balancing economic opportunities with preserving the region’s cultural and environmental heritage (BBC News, 2021). Programs like the New Voices Group, supported by Space Scotland, promote diversity and accessibility in the space sector, aiming to create a workforce reflective of Scottish society (Space Scotland, 2023).
Hurdles to Overcome
The journey to realize Space Hub Sutherland was fraught with challenges, spanning legal, environmental, and community-related issues. One significant hurdle was securing planning permission and land use rights.
The spaceport site, located on land owned by the Melness Crofters Estate, required a change of use for croft land, traditionally used for small-scale agriculture. In 2019, HIE initiated a public consultation phase, revealing mixed local sentiment. While some crofters supported the economic opportunities, others, including Wildland Ltd., raised concerns about environmental impacts and disruptions to traditional land use (BBC News, 2021).
A Scottish Land Court ruling in September 2021 approved the land use change, stipulating that surrounding areas remain available for agricultural purposes, thus clearing a major legal obstacle (BBC News, 2021).
Environmental concerns posed another challenge. The A’ Mhòine peninsula is ecologically sensitive, with protected bird species and peatlands. Critics feared that launches could harm local wildlife and contribute to carbon emissions. To address these concerns, HIE conducted an extensive environmental impact assessment, incorporating measures like peat restoration and scheduling launches outside bird nesting seasons (UK Space Agency, 2022).
The project’s commitment to carbon neutrality, facilitated by Orbex’s bio-propane rockets, further mitigated environmental objections (Focus North, 2023).
Construction delays and financial uncertainties also hampered progress. Originally slated for completion in 2020, groundbreaking did not occur until May 2023, with an estimated completion date of August 2024 (Sutherland Spaceport, 2024). In December 2024, Orbex announced that the project was put on hold, casting uncertainty over its timeline and raising questions about funding and commercial viability (Sutherland Spaceport, 2024).
These delays reflect the complexity of coordinating stakeholders, including the Scottish Government, UK Space Agency, Highland Council, and private partners, all while navigating regulatory approvals and community expectations.
But let’s be optimistic. These challenges are being overcome.
Conclusion
Space Hub Sutherland embodies Scotland’s ambition to become a leading commercial space nation, transforming the economically challenged Highlands into a hub of innovation and opportunity. From its origins as a visionary project to overcome legal, environmental, and logistical hurdles, the spaceport represents a bold step toward integrating rural communities into the global space economy.
With the potential to create hundreds of jobs, boost tourism, and inspire future generations, Space Hub Sutherland aligns with Scotland’s broader space strategy, which leverages its strengths in satellite manufacturing and data analytics.
Despite uncertainties surrounding its timeline, the project’s commitment to sustainability and community engagement ensures its relevance as a model for balancing economic growth with environmental and cultural preservation. As the global space industry continues to expand, Space Hub Sutherland stands poised to launch the Highlands into a new era of prosperity and discovery.
Agriculture and tourism are, and should, remain vital industries in rural areas. But high quality, future-focused jobs such as the Space Hub, could be transformational. With the hub comes the opportunity to develop the local supply chain ecosystem, including education and training, that could transform lives and life chances.
References
BBC News. (2021, September 14). Space Hub Sutherland clears major legal hurdle. BBC News. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-highlands-islands-58549654
Focus North. (2023, December 28). Space. Focus North. https://focusnorth.scot/space/
Heriot-Watt University. (2024, December 4). Universities play a key role in our space ambitions. Heriot-Watt University. https://www.hw.ac.uk/news/articles/2024/universities-play-a-key-role-in-our-space.htm
Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE). (2021, March 22). Space. HIE. https://www.hie.co.uk/our-region/sectors/space/
Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE). (2022, May 9). Space-themed STEM activity for secondary school pupils launches in Highland. HIE. https://www.hie.co.uk/latest-news/space-themed-stem-activity-for-secondary-school-pupils-launches-in-highland/
National Geographic. (2021, June 3). Space Hub Sutherland could become Europe’s first continental orbital spaceport. X Post.
National Records of Scotland. (2021). Population estimates for Caithness and Sutherland. https://www.nrscotland.gov.uk/statistics-and-data/statistics/statistics-by-theme/population/population-estimates
Nomis. (2022). Labour market profile – Caithness and Sutherland. https://www.nomisweb.co.uk/reports/lmp/la/1946157357/report.aspx
Press and Journal. (2021, September 29). Sutherland Space Hub tipped as ‘launch pad’ for jobs and economy. Press and Journal. https://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/news/highlands-islands/3504594/sutherland-space-hub-tipped-as-launch-pad-for-jobs-and-economy/
Scottish Government. (2021). Regional economic statistics. https://www.gov.scot/publications/regional-economic-statistics-2021/
Scottish Qualifications Authority. (2022). Annual statistical report. https://www.sqa.org.uk/sqa/104857.html
Scottish Science Advisory Council. (2024, May 17). Scotland’s space sector: Exploring potential future opportunities. Scottish Science Advisory Council. https://scottishscience.org.uk/publications/scotlands-space-sector-exploring-potential-future-opportunities
Space Scotland. (2023, October 11). Home. Space Scotland. https://spacescotland.org/
Sutherland Spaceport. (2024, December 4). Sutherland spaceport. Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sutherland_spaceport
UK Space Agency. (2022, March 16). On the ground with Space Hub Sutherland and Orbex. UK Space Agency Blog. https://space.blog.gov.uk/2022/03/16/on-the-ground-with-space-hub-sutherland-and-orbex/
Wikipedia. (2021, December 26). Space industry of Scotland. Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Space_industry_of_Scotland
The journey to realize Space Hub Sutherland was fraught with challenges, spanning legal, environmental, and community-related issues. One significant hurdle was securing planning permission and land use rights.
The spaceport site, located on land owned by the Melness Crofters Estate, required a change of use for croft land, traditionally used for small-scale agriculture. In 2019, HIE initiated a public consultation phase, revealing mixed local sentiment. While some crofters supported the economic opportunities, others, including Wildland Ltd., raised concerns about environmental impacts and disruptions to traditional land use (BBC News, 2021).
A Scottish Land Court ruling in September 2021 approved the land use change, stipulating that surrounding areas remain available for agricultural purposes, thus clearing a major legal obstacle (BBC News, 2021).
Environmental concerns posed another challenge. The A’ Mhòine peninsula is ecologically sensitive, with protected bird species and peatlands. Critics feared that launches could harm local wildlife and contribute to carbon emissions. To address these concerns, HIE conducted an extensive environmental impact assessment, incorporating measures like peat restoration and scheduling launches outside bird nesting seasons (UK Space Agency, 2022).
The project’s commitment to carbon neutrality, facilitated by Orbex’s bio-propane rockets, further mitigated environmental objections (Focus North, 2023).
Construction delays and financial uncertainties also hampered progress. Originally slated for completion in 2020, groundbreaking did not occur until May 2023, with an estimated completion date of August 2024 (Sutherland Spaceport, 2024). In December 2024, Orbex announced that the project was put on hold, casting uncertainty over its timeline and raising questions about funding and commercial viability (Sutherland Spaceport, 2024).
These delays reflect the complexity of coordinating stakeholders, including the Scottish Government, UK Space Agency, Highland Council, and private partners, all while navigating regulatory approvals and community expectations.
But let’s be optimistic. These challenges are being overcome.
Conclusion
Space Hub Sutherland embodies Scotland’s ambition to become a leading commercial space nation, transforming the economically challenged Highlands into a hub of innovation and opportunity. From its origins as a visionary project to overcome legal, environmental, and logistical hurdles, the spaceport represents a bold step toward integrating rural communities into the global space economy.
With the potential to create hundreds of jobs, boost tourism, and inspire future generations, Space Hub Sutherland aligns with Scotland’s broader space strategy, which leverages its strengths in satellite manufacturing and data analytics.
Despite uncertainties surrounding its timeline, the project’s commitment to sustainability and community engagement ensures its relevance as a model for balancing economic growth with environmental and cultural preservation. As the global space industry continues to expand, Space Hub Sutherland stands poised to launch the Highlands into a new era of prosperity and discovery.
Agriculture and tourism are, and should, remain vital industries in rural areas. But high quality, future-focused jobs such as the Space Hub, could be transformational. With the hub comes the opportunity to develop the local supply chain ecosystem, including education and training, that could transform lives and life chances.
References
BBC News. (2021, September 14). Space Hub Sutherland clears major legal hurdle. BBC News. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-highlands-islands-58549654
Focus North. (2023, December 28). Space. Focus North. https://focusnorth.scot/space/
Heriot-Watt University. (2024, December 4). Universities play a key role in our space ambitions. Heriot-Watt University. https://www.hw.ac.uk/news/articles/2024/universities-play-a-key-role-in-our-space.htm
Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE). (2021, March 22). Space. HIE. https://www.hie.co.uk/our-region/sectors/space/
Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE). (2022, May 9). Space-themed STEM activity for secondary school pupils launches in Highland. HIE. https://www.hie.co.uk/latest-news/space-themed-stem-activity-for-secondary-school-pupils-launches-in-highland/
National Geographic. (2021, June 3). Space Hub Sutherland could become Europe’s first continental orbital spaceport. X Post.
National Records of Scotland. (2021). Population estimates for Caithness and Sutherland. https://www.nrscotland.gov.uk/statistics-and-data/statistics/statistics-by-theme/population/population-estimates
Nomis. (2022). Labour market profile – Caithness and Sutherland. https://www.nomisweb.co.uk/reports/lmp/la/1946157357/report.aspx
Press and Journal. (2021, September 29). Sutherland Space Hub tipped as ‘launch pad’ for jobs and economy. Press and Journal. https://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/news/highlands-islands/3504594/sutherland-space-hub-tipped-as-launch-pad-for-jobs-and-economy/
Scottish Government. (2021). Regional economic statistics. https://www.gov.scot/publications/regional-economic-statistics-2021/
Scottish Qualifications Authority. (2022). Annual statistical report. https://www.sqa.org.uk/sqa/104857.html
Scottish Science Advisory Council. (2024, May 17). Scotland’s space sector: Exploring potential future opportunities. Scottish Science Advisory Council. https://scottishscience.org.uk/publications/scotlands-space-sector-exploring-potential-future-opportunities
Space Scotland. (2023, October 11). Home. Space Scotland. https://spacescotland.org/
Sutherland Spaceport. (2024, December 4). Sutherland spaceport. Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sutherland_spaceport
UK Space Agency. (2022, March 16). On the ground with Space Hub Sutherland and Orbex. UK Space Agency Blog. https://space.blog.gov.uk/2022/03/16/on-the-ground-with-space-hub-sutherland-and-orbex/
Wikipedia. (2021, December 26). Space industry of Scotland. Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Space_industry_of_Scotland
Footnotes
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My latest book, Delivering Social Value in Urban Development, a collected series of essays, is published through Kindle Direct Publishing and available on most Amazon portals.
If you love Scotland, you may also like our earlier article The Creation of Scotland's National Book Town.
The Creation of Scotland's National Book Town
I’ve become a bit obsessed with Wigtown in Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland’s rural southwest.