The Press and Journal (Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire)
Young locals give backing to space hub
Sutherland must grab the chance to build a space hub with both hands, according to young people from the area.
Young Highlanders told The Press and Journal that Highlands and Islands Enterprise’s proposal would bring jobs and opportunities and even entice exiles back to the area.
A poll conducted by YouGov found that 85% of Scots aged between 18 and 24 support the creation of the world’s first carbonneutral space hub on the A’ Mhoine peninsula in the far north.
The results came as a judicial review triggered by neighbouring landowner Anders Holch Povlsen – Scotland’s richest man – concluded.
Mr Povlsen’s company Wildland raised concerns that a potential space hub would have a detrimental effect on protected areas.
Planning permission for Space Hub Sutherland was granted in 2020 and there could be a space flight launching from Melness Crofters Estate land by next year.
Highland Council received more than 450 objections to the original proposal, but YouGov’s findings have suggested there is a strong level of support for the plan in the area.
Eva Mackay, who is originally from nearby Skerray, said she hopes opportunities will open up as the space hub is developed.
The 23-year-old has had to relocate to Stoer along the coast to work at the Kylesku Hotel due to limited opportunities and hopes the space hub will help create a “new future for future generations”.
Steven Reid, originally from Tongue but now living in Dundee, believes the space hub could entice exiles back.
The 23-year-old said: “Something needs to be done to not only encourage young people to stay in the local area but also to encourage those who have left to return.”
YouGov also found that 94% of adults aged between 18 and 24 in Scotland listed job creation as an important factor in the development of a rocket launch site in the far north.
The majority of the 1,015 people surveyed have said that protecting peatlands in the local area is also a big factor in the creation of the site.
The developers say plans to ensure the land remains a working croft have been carefully considered at each stage to ensure the crofting community, the landscape and native wildlife are all protected.
Dorothy Pritchard, chairwoman of Melness Crofters Estate, the landowners, welcomed the survey’s findings.
She said: “It’s great to hear that people throughout the country support the development of the space hub, and in particular, the younger generation can see the long-term benefits that having a space hub could bring.”