HIE acquires assets of Sutherland Spaceport Ltd
25th August 2026
Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) has acquired the assets of Sutherland Spaceport Ltd (SSL) from the joint liquidators, Chad Griffin and Graham Smith of FRP Advisory.
SSL was established in 2020 by Moray-based space launch company Orbital Express Ltd (Orbex), which entered administration in February this year. The liquidation of SSL followed in June.
Initially known as Newco Forres, SSL was set up to construct a spaceport to launch satellites into orbit from a 10.4-acre, community-owned site on the A’ Mhoine peninsula near Tongue.
HIE leased the site from community landowner Melness Crofters’ Estate and sublet it to SSL, which invested substantially to create a 2.5km (1.6 mile) floating access road across peatland, along with associated infrastructure.
Having acquired the company’s assets, HIE plans to review how the site can best be used to create jobs and other economic benefits for local people and support the continued growth of the UK space sector.
HIE director of strategic projects David Oxley said:
“The Highlands and Islands is the best region in the UK for vertical launch, boasting a northern latitude, low population density and proximity to the coast.
“All of these features are highly prized by space companies and make Sutherland a prime location for launch.
“Our acquisition of SSL’s assets creates a great opportunity for future development with the potential to create highly skilled jobs and training opportunities on-site and support the growth of supply chain businesses.
“Having acquired these assets, our next move will be to work with the local community and players in the space sector to inform future decisions on how to make the most of the spaceport’s potential to deliver long-term economic benefits.”
Cabinet secretary for economy, tourism and transport Stephen Flynn said:
“HIE’s acquisition of the Sutherland Spaceport ensures that the work undertaken by Orbex can be taken forward to serve as a valuable asset for the local Sutherland community and Scotland’s growing space sector, as well as a significant economic opportunity for the region.
“The north of Scotland is perfectly placed to serve as a focus for the launch market and I look forward to this marking a fresh and successful chapter in the region’s – and the nation’s – space capabilities.”
Dorothy Pritchard, chair of Melness Crofters’ Estate said:
“Melness Crofters’ Estate welcome the recent acquisition of the lease by HIE and anticipate seeing the previously mothballed spaceport site back in active development. HIE are demonstrating their commitment to unlocking the potential the space industry can bring to Sutherland, Caithness and the wider UK, delivering regional growth and prosperity.
“Even though the spaceport site is not fully complete, the rental received from it has already had a positive impact, allowing MCE to begin the development of its affordable community housing project, as well as financially supporting our Community Centre and our recently acquired, community-owned church; none of which would have been possible without the finance created by the income to MCE from the spaceport.
“We look forward to seeing the project progress and to the positive impacts it can deliver for local businesses, communities and the wider economy.”
HIE, the UK Space Agency and the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority previously invested a combined total of £9.08m in preparing the Sutherland spaceport site for development prior to it being leased to Orbex’s subsidiary SSL. Orbex then invested substantial private funding to progress construction, which was also supported by a £1.963m grant from HIE.
Orbex (Orbital Express Launch Ltd.) officially ceased operations and entered insolvency in February 2026 after failing to secure vital funding or complete a rescue takeover.
Company OverviewFounded: 2015Headquarters: Forres, Moray, ScotlandFocus: Developing small commercial orbital launch vehicles, including the eco-friendly Prime microlauncher designed to run on bio-LPG fuel.Spaceport Plans: Planned to build the Sutherland Spaceport on the A' Mhòine peninsula in northern Scotland.Downfall and CollapseFunding Shortfall: Despite raising roughly £138.5 million total (including £76.7 million in public funds), the company ran out of capital following expensive development and paused spaceport construction.
Insolvency: After failed acquisition talks with The Exploration Company, FRP Advisory was appointed as administrator, leading to the redundancy of over 150 staff members in February 2026.