Chad Griffin and Graham Smith of FRP were appointed joint liquidators on June 3, 2026. Sutherland Spaceport was established in 2020 by Moray-based space launch company Orbital Express, which entered administration in February this year. The liquidation of the spaceport followed in June.

Initially known as Newco Forres, the company 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 (MCE) and sublet it to Sutherland Spaceport, 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 confirmed it was planning 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: “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.”