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-
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 -
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-
“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 -
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