MSP Ariane Burgess questions if Orbex’s £20m funding will help the Highlands
Forres: Scottish Green MSP Ariane Burgess is disappointed with Orbex’s decision. The company received £20 million from the UK Government but isn’t reconsidering the Sutherland Spaceport site.
Burgess wants to know if this investment will benefit the Highlands and Islands. Orbex plans to launch rockets from SaxaVord Spaceport in Shetland instead of Sutherland.
Previously, Orbex got £14.24 million in public funding for Sutherland. This included money from Highlands and Islands Enterprise and the UK Space Agency. Many people were upset by the announcement.
Burgess emphasized the need for clarity on how the new funds will help local jobs and the economy. She noted that while this is good for Shetland, it’s disappointing for Sutherland.
The Sutherland project aimed to create jobs and support local communities. The sudden halt has affected many workers, who learned about job losses through the news.
She also mentioned that the project included plans for housing, which would have benefited the area. The shift to SaxaVord raises concerns about fairness in decision-making.
The £20 million investment in Orbex is a convertible loan, meaning it can turn into equity later.
