The local contractor Macaulay Askernish has been awarded the contract for the development of the enabling infrastructure for Spaceport 1 in North Uist, this site is the third such site in Scotland, following Sutherland Spaceport in Melness and SaxaVord Spaceport on Unst, Shetland.
In 2023, space 1 got the go ahead to develop a site which was a major achievement for the UK space industry. By 2025, this futuristic structure will be ready to launch as many as ten commercial suborbital missions every year and will thus be the first dedicated launch site in the country. We are not only developing a spaceport but also developing a platform for the British innovations.
The first phase of development of the site falls under the control of Macaulay Askernish; they are charged with enhancing access roads, creating parking spaces, and laying down fibre optic cables for broadband. It also includes the assessment of the site’s future viability as well as the identification of measures that should be taken in order to protect any cultural assets that may be located at the site. The first phase of construction is being managed by Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, the local council of the area.
Spaceport 1 ground breaking
“We’re breaking new ground at Scolpaig—this is a game-changing moment for our community and for Spaceport 1,” declared Councillor Paul Steele, Leader of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar. “This project puts the UK at the forefront of space innovation. For the first time, we’ll have a dedicated commercial suborbital launch site that completes our entire space technology ecosystem, filling a critical gap in our national space capabilities.”
The development of Spaceport 1 in Scotland has its critics as well. A protest called Friends of Scolpaig North Uist once launched a failed petition in 2019 where they claimed that if the council proceeded with the construction then it would be ‘degrading and militarizing the landscape and ecosystem.”
The Scottish government is powering up economic development in the Highlands with a substantial investment. Highlands and Islands Enterprise has committed nearly £1 million to build critical infrastructure for the Spaceport 1 site, while the Comhairle is backing the project with an additional £675,000 from its capital budget. Together, they’re driving forward a £2.6 million enabling works project that promises to boost regional growth.
When the enabling infrastructure is completed, with the expectation of being done by Spring 2025, then a private sector operator will step in to carry out the second phase of construction and manage the spaceport.
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Spaceport 1 in North Uist, Scotland: Project Factsheet
Project Overview
Location: North Uist, Highlands and Islands, Scotland
Type: Commercial Suborbital Launch Site
Status: Under Development
Key Details
Unique Status: UK’s only dedicated commercial suborbital launch site
Launch Capacity: Up to 10 launches per year
Expected Operational Date: 2025
Spaceport 1 Funding
Total Infrastructure Investment: £2.6 million
Highlands and Islands Enterprise Contribution: £947,000
Comhairle nan Eilean Siar Contribution: £675,000
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Spaceport 1 in Scotland Construction Phases
Phase 1: Enabling Infrastructure
Contractor: Macaulay Askernish
Scope:
Improve access tracks
Develop parking lots
Install fibre broadband
Conduct cultural heritage studies
Management: Comhairle nan Eilean Siar
Expected Completion: Spring 2025
Phase 2: Spaceport Development
Expected Start: After enabling infrastructure completion
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