Work is continuing on plans to develop the UK's first spaceport in Argyll and Bute.

The council is working alongside Machrihanish Airbase Community Company (MACC) and Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) to situate the facility at the former Machrihanish airbase in Kintyre.

Covering over 1,000 acres in community ownership and boasting a 3km runway, the area is regarded as an ideal location for a polar orbit satellite launch.

It is estimated that by 2030, the UK space industry could create up to 100,00 jobs.


Council Leader Dick Walsh said: "We have been working closely with MACC, their subsidiary company Discover Space UK and HIE with a focus on continuing to support a strong case for the site at Machrihanish."

A spokesman for DiscoverSpaceUK added: "We continue to develop our business model and engage with a number of aerospace companies to make them aware of the distinct advantages Machrihanish and Campbeltown can offer and firmly believe that the assets and location offer a complete and safe spaceport solution.

"Recent changes announced by the Department for Transport means that there is flexibility in what a spaceport can be with different offerings made by each potential location. This has got to be a good thing for the UK aerospace industry and will help the UK Government to reach the target of a £40Bn space business by 2030."

(LM/MH)