Moray’s attempt at becoming the home of the UK’s first Spaceport is now in the hands of the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) after the region’s bid was finalised and submitted on Monday.
The proposal, which was prepared the Moray Economic Partnership (MEP) and coordinated by Highlands and Islands Enterprise, highlights the potential of Kinloss as the home of the UK Spaceport with RAF Lossiemouth as a support site.
The CAA will now consider the bid alongside six others and is expected to announce a short-list of candidates next month.
Moray’s bid was described by the MEP as a “serious contender” with Kinloss considered as the clear front runner for the project, which was described as a “fantastic opportunity” for the region.
Councillor John Cowe, who is the chairman of the MEP as well as the Council’s economic development and infrastructure committee who approved the plan at a meeting last week, hailed the submission as a “first step” in the process.
He said: “It is the first step in a selection process that involves the whole of the UK, but the council and MEP believe that Moray has an excellent chance.
“The CAA will consider all responses before moving to the shortlist stage of the process which, if Kinloss is on that list, will require further work to press forward our case.
“The economic benefits are enormous and every effort will be made to bring the Spaceport to Moray.”
In the report the proven track record attained by Moray in supporting new enterprise and high-tech businesses has been demonstrated.
It says: “Moray has already acknowledged ability to support space tourism today – we understand the enormity of the task in creating a Spaceport but genuinely believe we have experience, knowledge, skills and infrastructure to be the ideal location and a serious contender.”