Britain’s spaceport project in JEOPARDY as local backlash escalates

Land on the Melness Crofting Estate, on the A’Mhoine peninsula in coastal Sutherland, has been identified as the potential location for the launching of rockets that would carry micro-satellites into space. However, reports and rumours have arose recently which has left locals in the remote area furious and are threatening legal action against the £45million project. Residents say the main concern is environmentally, with the region home to rare eagles, sea birds and a delicate peat bog ecosystem.

They believe these concerns are being ignored, and could take legal action against the government which could cause massive delays to the already massively expensive project.

The land is controlled by the Melness Crofting Estate (MCE), a company that represents about 56 local crofters who voted to lease the land for the spaceport.

Three of the seven directors have now stepped down however, citing concerns that the plans are being mishandled and locals are being kept in the dark.

George Wyper, one of those who stepped down, told the Highland Press and Journal: “There is quite a split in the community and a lot of bad feeling about this.

“It could go to the Scottish Land Court, which could take years to resolve.”

Linda Munro, the local councillor, told the Times: “It’s absolutely true that the community is divided, but not in equal proportions.

“There are far more people pro the spaceport than there are against it. However, nobody can get fully behind it until they have the appropriate information, and that is just not coming from Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE).”

Roy Kirk, HIE’s spaceport project director, told BBC Scotland: “Melness was identified by UKSA as the preferred site and approved a £2.5m grant to HIE towards the facility’s development.

“We have always stressed the project is subject to agreement being reached with the Melness Crofting Estate and that this is something on which they will need to consult their members before entering into any formal agreement.

“Meantime, we are developing the proposals with a view to submitting consent applications within the timescales set out, but again this is all subject to land lease agreement being reached with the estate.”

If legal action does ensue, the chances are the Britain will miss the 2021 deadline for its first rocket launch.