First UK Spaceport Construction in Sutherland Delayed due to Covid-19

Sutherland Spaceport is one of the primary contenders for the title of the first UK spaceport. However, its construction schedule has been affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. One of the first vertical launch sites in Scotland, on the A’ Mhoine peninsula, will be commissioned later than expected. Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE), supervising this project does seem too concerned and hopes that this delay is a minor setback in their ambitious plans.

HIE on Sutherland UK Spaceport

According to HIE, the project application was submitted to the local council in February and its estimated construction time should not have exceeded 15 months. The latest proposals with the local council were supposed to be signed off in April or May 2020. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has put all of those plans on hold.

Right now, UK spaceport Sutherland, along with HIE, is waiting for a revised project timeline. Management hopes that the pandemic will not set this launching site’s construction off by more than a couple of months. After all, this project is supposed to create over 40 new jobs and boost the local economy. So, its completion should be beneficial for everyone.

Aside from UK spaceport in Sutherland, more vertical launch sites are under construction in other parts of Scotland.