Business / Space team submits interest in Scatsta Airport buildings
Chief executive Frank Strang also welcomes islands deal confirmation
THE CHIEF executive of Shetland Space Centre (SSC) has confirmed that the company has submitted an expression of interest for the buildings at Scatsta Airport.
The airport closed in June after oil and gas flights moved to Sumburgh.
Space centre chief Frank Strang previously revealed the company’s desire to bring the site “back to life” as part of its plans to launch satellites in Unst.
The deadline for expressions of interest on the buildings, owned by Shetland Islands Council, is the end of July – with Strang confirming SSC has registered its interest.
He has also welcomed news of the £100 million economic investment in Shetland, Orkney and the Western Isles as part of the UK and Scottish governments’ islands deal.
The space centre is one of a handful of Shetland-specific projects which was included as part of the bid.
“These are straitened times for everybody and any economic stimulus from both governments has to be a good thing for us all,” Strang said.
“We are delighted that space is highlighted and we have been working closely with Shetland Islands Council and briefing the economic development team virtually weekly.”
A proposed spaceport in North Uist, meanwhile, formed part of the Western Isles bid.
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