A United States rocket manufacturer has announced that a dormant Scottish spaceport could serve as its first launch location outside of America. Colorado-based Leap has entered an agreement with Highlands and Islands Enterprise, the owner of the peatland area close to Tongue, to formulate development plans.
Plans for the Sutherland Site
Construction at the location stalled after Orbex, a rocket company based in Moray, halted building work in 2024 before eventually collapsing and selling its assets. According to Leap, the spaceport might be utilized to launch small satellites catering to clients located in the United Kingdom and mainland Europe.
Leap is currently developing rockets capable of factory mass production. Chief executive Chris Beckman explained that the company is establishing a global logistics network requiring launch locations wherever clients need them. He noted that Sutherland provides an ideal beginning for a European network, adding that HIE shares their goal of making recurring spaceflight in Scotland a reality.
Local and Government Reaction
The partnership has received endorsement from HIE and Economy Secretary Stephen Flynn. The facility is situated on the Melness Crofters Estate, which consists of small-scale farms located on the A’ Mhoine Peninsula within the north-west Highlands.
Dorothy Pritchard, chairwoman of the estate, stated that they were thrilled to welcome Leap as a prospective launch operator. She expressed belief that their involvement represents a significant step toward creating a sustainable spaceport that delivers lasting advantages to Sutherland and the broader national space sector. Pritchard added that an operational Sutherland Spaceport will integrate into a diverse launch ecosystem to secure the nation’s standing in the global space economy, while the estate anticipates the facility driving economic opportunities.
