Sutherland Spaceport

The development of Sutherland Spaceport on A’Mhòine in northern Scotland represents Britain’s first vertical launch facility, designed to host up to 12 orbital satellite flights per year with rockets carrying up to 800 kg payloads. Delivering launchpad, integration centre, mission control, fuel storage, antenna park and supporting infrastructure posed complex logistical and regulatory challenges. All works needed to adhere to stringent aviation, environmental, marine and land-use regulations, while minimising impacts on sensitive coastal and community landscapes.

G&T was engaged by Highlands and Islands Enterprise to provide integrated Cost Management and Programme/Project Management services. As the strategic delivery partner, we assembled a specialist team covering airspace change, environmental, planning and marine licensing expertise. The team led procurement, scheduling and risk management across multi-disciplinary packages—ensuring technical alignment with launch operator Orbex and compliance within a live airport-like, highly regulated environment.

Construction and enabling works are well advanced: foundations, taxiway, integration centre and infrastructure are now in place. While Orbex recently paused active work on-site, G&T continues to provide ongoing programme and cost control support. The site remains launch-ready, and G&T’s strategic oversight underpins future phases—with sustainability and regional economic regeneration key to the long-term vision.