Murray calls for further Scottish funding following Skyrora rocket static launch

Susan Murray MP, Liberal Democrat Spokesperson for Scotland, has hailed the successful static test of a scaled down launch vehicle in Argyll and Bute and called for the UK government to set out a “sustained, strategic commitment” to Scottish space projects.

The calls come after the government’s recently published UK Space Strategy failed to include a Scotland-specific funding plan, as requested by the Scottish Affairs Committee.

The report highlighted £30 million investment from the UK Government into SaxaVord Spaceport, Shetland, but no sustained overall strategy for the wider Scottish space industry.

Commenting on the situation, Susan Murray said:

“What Scotland's space sector needs from the government is stability – a long-term customer and a predictable pipeline, not another one-off grant announced and forgotten. Ministers were told that by a cross-party committee a year ago, and this strategy says only that they will consider it.

“My congratulations go to the team at Skyrora. It is great to see Scotland’s R&D and space sector delivering these exciting projects.

“The UK Government must provide adequate funding to support Scotland’s growing space sector. This means targeted and sustained funding rather than ad hoc grants for specific projects.”