US rocket firm may take over mothballed Highland spaceport

A space launch company based in the United States may soon take control of a dormant spaceport located in the north-west Highlands. The facility is situated on the A' Mhoine Peninsula in Sutherland, within the grounds of the Melness Crofters Estate.

Economy Secretary Stephen Flynn and HIE have both expressed support for this new agreement. Dorothy Pritchard, chairwoman of the estate, stated that the group is pleased to have Leap identified as a prospective launch operator.

Regarding the potential development, Ms Pritchard said: "We believe their presence here will be an important step towards establishing a thriving and sustainable spaceport that can bring long-term benefits to Sutherland and the UK's growing space industry."

She further remarked: "Alongside other UK launch sites, both developed and emerging, an operational Sutherland Spaceport will become an integral part of a resilient and diverse UK launch ecosystem, securing the UK position within the global space economy, something we welcome and support." The estate is hopeful that the site will serve as a catalyst for local economic growth, she added.