Space industry links with Bavaria are being explored by Highland Council and Highlands & Islands Enterprise (HIE).
The council’s economy and regeneration officers are using Inverness’s six decade long links with its twin city of Augsburg in Bavaria to look at the potential of promoting the Highlands for space-related investment from the area.
Augsburg in particular has significant space related industry, and council officers say the announcement of the vertical launch facility in Sutherland has been received with interest in the region.
Martin Johnson, regional head of international and key sectors at HIE said: “There is certainly interest from Bavaria in the Sutherland space hub plans.
“We are still in the very early stages of the project and throughout most of this year our focus will be very much on developing the plans for the facility and obtaining the necessary consents to develop.
“In the longer term, there should be scope for more engagement internationally, including with Bavaria.
“This could include activities such as hosting delegations on visits to Sutherland to see what will be on offer. We certainly look forward to this international engagement, which will promote the region to potential inward investors.”
Meanwhile during the coming months, the Highland Council will be working to facilitate a trade mission to Augsburg and to Bavaria.
