YOUGOV SURVEY SHOWS 85% OF YOUNG SCOTS (18-24) SUPPORT SPACE HUB SUTHERLAND
Top survey results include1:
94% of Scottish adults aged 18-24 and 89% of Scottish adults overall consider job creation as an important factor to them in in relation to the development of a spaceport in Sutherland
88% of Scottish adults consider protecting the peatlands in the local area as important to them in relation to the development of a spaceport in Sutherland
91% of Highlanders said Space Hub Sutherland being environmentally friendly was important to them
75% of Scottish adults support the development of Space Hub Sutherland after reading a description of the proposed development2
72% of Scottish adults support the creation of a space industry in Scotland
A YouGov survey of 1,015 Scots out today reveals that 85% of 18-24-year-old adults, who expressed an opinion, favour the development of the world’s first carbon neutral Space Hub on A’ Mhoine peninsula in Sutherland. Overall, after reading a description of the proposed development, 75% of Scottish adults support the development of Space Hub Sutherland.
Given that Space Hub Sutherland’s main benefit is to help secure the long-term future of Melness and the surrounding areas, this is clearly recognised by the younger generation. After reading information about the proposed spaceport, and echoing the vision of Melness Crofters’ Estate, results from the survey showed that; job creation, the development of a space industry in Scotland, local economic impact, and plans for the spaceport being sensitive to the natural environment, were the main driving factors behind support for the development.
Planning permission for Space Hub Sutherland, granted in 2020, could see an inaugural space flight launching from land on the Melness Crofters’ Estate in 2022. The space hub plans, which ensure the land remains a working croft, have been carefully considered at each stage to ensure the crofting community, its stunning landscape, and native wildlife are all protected.
Dorothy Pritchard, Chairperson of Melness Crofters’ Estate, said:
“It’s great to hear that people throughout the country support the development of the space hub, and in particular, the younger generation can see the long-term benefits that having a space hub could bring. Our vision, from day one, has been to create opportunities for the local community while minimising disruption to our landscape here in Sutherland.
If we don’t do something to create more opportunities for people to live and work here in Sutherland, then we will lose the heart and soul of our communities. The job creation that comes as a direct result of the space hub and additional knock-on opportunities in the future will ensure that our community thrives for generations to come. Knowing that others in Scotland see the potential that the space hub has to revitalise our rural community is very encouraging.”
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1 Don’t know responses have been excluded from the results
2 The Sutherland spaceport is a proposed development, on A' Mhoine peninsula in Sutherland, northern Scotland. It would be used to launch small satellites (up to 150kg) into orbit, with 12 launches per year. The development would be situated on a remote enclosed area of land, with the support of those who own the land. The site has been chosen for its northerly, remote location, avoiding the need to fly over densely populated areas.
All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc. The total sample size was 1,015 adults. Fieldwork was undertaken between 25th to 27th May 2021. The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all Scottish GB adults (aged 18+).
