North Uist has joined its neighbours and become a contender in the Scottish space race, it has emerged.
North Uist is in the frame for vertical satellite launch to low earth orbit by 2018, if the available facilities are suitable, according to a report.
The news emerged as Western Isles Council gave its case for allocating up to £70,000 to support its bid for a Hebrides Spaceport, match-funded by Highlands & Islands Enterprise (HIE)
In February the council agreed to prepare a comprehensive bid for the spaceport, based in Stornoway and at the Hebrides Range in South Uist, offering horizontal and vertical capability.
At a meeting in Benbecula in May, attended by vertical satellite operators, UK Space Agency and the Department for Transport, North Uist was not ruled out as an area for vertical satellite launch ‘subject to a number of key considerations.’
North Uist could become a site for low cost access to space by 2018 ‘if the supporting facilities already in place are suitable and can be made available, and there are no ‘show stopper’ issues that prevent the sites being viable,’ the Benbecula meeting concluded.
The UK Government has identified a benefit to the UK economy from the space industry of around £40bn by 2030, and has opened up the UK Spaceport bidding process to any suitable location that wishes to come forward and apply for a licence.
The £70k to develop the Outer Hebrides bid will come from the council’s match fund, over two years.
North Uist & Benbecula councillor Neil Beaton said: “A process has started that could bring exciting benefits and new impetus to the economy of the Uists.
“Particularly encouraging is the involvement with UHI , the prospect for graduates and the opportunities on the horizon for our islands.”
The Comhairle continues to keep channels open with the Islay Machrihanish bid team on the prospects for a partnership bid.
The council will also establish an internal working group to oversee the Hebrides Spaceport bid, recognising that ‘not proceeding with the development of the Spaceport as proposed would result in the loss of a significant opportunity for the Outer Hebrides.’
