Forres firm awaits legal decisions on Sutherland space hub
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
A Moray company is awaiting two key legal decisions in the coming weeks regarding plans to build a space hub in north Sutherland.
The first is a judicial review in the Court of Session in Edinburgh on Highland Council's decision to grant planning permission for the project.
The second is the outcome of a Scottish Land Court hearing relating to crofters' rights.
Highland and Island Enterprise is behind the plans to build the space hub.
Its launch partner is Orbex, which is based in Forres.
Using funding from the UK Space Agency and other sources, the Moray company is building the rockets which will launch commercial satellites into orbit.
Objectors are worried about the impact the launches will have on the peatland site, which sits next to the A838 on the Mhoine peninsula.
Supporters, meanwhile, say they will create jobs and boost the local economy.
The site is classed as common grazing and is owned and managed by the Melness Crofters' Estate, which has given Highlands and Islands Enterprise a lease option for the project.
The hearing at the Scottish Land Court was held over two weeks and finished at the end of May.
The judicial review took place over three days last month.
Decisions on both are expected in the coming weeks.
