Stornoway Airport spaceport

The operator of Stornoway airport has offered to help any private investor build the UK’s first spaceport at the airfield.

Highlands and Islands Airports (Hial) ruled out putting in cash but said it would look at providing technical or logistical support for any potential spaceport investors.

Stornoway is one of just six sites on a whittled-down shortlist to host a starship launch base.

The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) "strongly recommended" that a UK spaceport be established at a coastal location.

By 2030, the wider UK space industry estimated to be worth £40 billion and provide 100,000 jobs.

By catching the first wave of space travel, the hope is to become a leading European centre which could entice the likes of Richard Branson - who is seeking an European base for his Virgin Galactic enterprise.

in Scotland

The aim is to have a facility ready for space tourism by 2018.

Launching satellites would be another business at the aerodrome.

Grenville Johnston, chairman of Scottish Government-owned HIAL, said: As owners of Stornoway Airport, it is currently not our intention to submit a business proposal.

“The board believes that HIAL has the knowledge, capability and expertise to offer technical support to potential investors in spaceports.

“However, our preference is to concentrate on our core business of providing airports that serve the people of the Highlands and Islands.

“We would nevertheless welcome the opportunity to engage with potential operators and provide whatever technical assistance and logistical support they might require.”

Campbeltown Airport - also managed by Hial - is also a potential site. Other locations are Glasgow Prestwick, Newquay and RAF Llanbedr.

The next step is for the government to develop a detailed technical specification of spaceport requirements, prior to inviting proposals. This is due to be published later this year.

Stornoway Airport willing to help spaceport investors

4 March 2015