Scottish Government to Address Public Investment in Paused Sutherland Spaceport

First Minister John Swinney pledges to investigate recovery of £14.6 million in public funds after Orbex shifts launch operations to Shetland's SaxaVord Spaceport.

Orbex announced it is pausing construction of the Sutherland Spaceport to focus on rocket development and will launch from the SaxaVord Spaceport in Shetland starting in 2025.
The Sutherland project, which had received £14.6 million in public funding, was expected to bring 40 jobs and economic benefits to a depopulated area in the Scottish Highlands.
First Minister John Swinney described concerns over public investment as 'completely reasonable' and committed to exploring options for recouping funds or continuing development.
Orbex stated that pausing Sutherland construction allows the company to prioritize its Prime and Proxima rockets while retaining the lease for potential future use of the site.
Local leaders expressed disappointment over the decision, calling for cross-party collaboration to either salvage the project or reinvest recovered funds into the Sutherland region.