Stone - let's reignite enthusiasm for space here in Sutherland

Fifty years on from man’s first steps on the moon, Jamie Stone, MP for Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross says thoughts must now turn to the opportunity Scotland has to take the UK space industry into orbit.

Mr Stone said: “Saturday marks the anniversary of a day that people of a certain age will never forget. I remember sitting with my parents and watching, slack-jawed, those famous murky images of man’s first step on the moon.

“Fifty years on the proposals to launch real rockets and satellites from north Sutherland is exciting and will provide a real boost to the local economy.

“The satellites launched from Sutherland will be crucial to communications, trade, information and intelligence and give us the opportunity to work closely with European countries on launches as Sutherland becomes the European space hub.

“So let’s re-ignite the public’s enthusiasm when it comes to space and seize the opportunity for the far north to lead the UK’s space programme.

“Fifty years ago Neil Armstrong got there first. For the sake of future quality employment in the far north it is utterly crucial that we don’t let this golden opportunity slip through our fingers.”

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