Satellites could be launched into space from the Western Isles within two years under pioneering plans which could create 200 jobs and spearhead a massive economic boost.
If the timescales pan out, Hebrides Spaceport is in the running to be the UK’s first satellite launch pad location.
A consultant’s report for a consortium headed by the comhairle suggests construction may start in 2019 with the first flights the following year.
Hebrides Spaceport would be built on a hill in Scolpaig on the northwest coast of North Uist under a proposal to blast vertical launch space rockets into orbit, tracking clear of populated areas over the open sea to the north.
Two launch pads would be installed on the sea-
Formal guidance is being sought over environmental issues of the site which would be required for a planning application.
But the spaceport faces competition for funding from similar bids in Shetland and Sutherland as well as Cornwall.
Emerging markets for small satellite launches is set to be worth over £25 billion globally over the next 20 years says the UK government.
Scotland is already punching above its weight in the space boom with 18% of industry based north of the border while Glasgow is Europe’s leading manufacturer of micro satellites.
Donald Crichton, Western Isles Council’s development committee chairman, said: “The UK spaceport project has the potential to change the economic landscape of Uist.
“We are part of a consortium bidding to put forward this project in competition with other location across the UK.
Uist has the “best facilities” with rocket launching expertise on its doorstep at the neighbouring missile range, he added.
Mr Crichton highlighted: “We already have the facilities along with the potential of creating up to 200 jobs in the future.
“We have to be ambitious to be at the cutting edge and deliver on the potential of this project.”
Mr Crichton said: “The consortium is made up of a number of private sector partners, QinetiQ for example.
“We have been working well together over the last year to put forward this project.
“There is still along way to go but we are very optimistic we can deliver and provide the opportunity to transform the economy of the Uists.”
Hebrides satellite launch centre could be UK’s first spaceport
2 July 2018
Scolpaig has been chosen to develop the proposed has space centre