MSP shows he’s a right space cadet
YOU could be forgiven for thinking Tory Adam Tomkins is the MSP from outer space.
In a mocking tweet, he referred to Scotland’s space industry as “science fiction”. That’s despite Glasgow – which he represents in the Scottish Parliament – being the No1 city in the world for the manufacture of compact satellites, with about 7000 jobs dependent on the business.
The CEO of American firm Spire, who chose to open their European base in Glasgow, said in February that he had lost count of how many Scottish-built satellites are in orbit.
Now, Glasgow firm Alba Orbital are preparing to launch what they claim is the “world’s cheapest, lightest and smallest satellite”.
They were founded in 2013 and they are just one of several space firms in the city.
Alba Orbital have won awards from the European Space Agency and Scottish Enterprise. And the firm’s founder Tom Walkinshaw described Glasgow as “the place for space”.
As well as being an MSP, Tomkins is employed by Glasgow University. Perhaps he should take a walk to the School of Physics and Astronomy who produce renowned research.
Scepticism in politics is one thing. But to talk down the achievements of Scotland and of your constituents is another.
Perhaps the Tories should boldly go…