Business minister to announce Scotland’s space strategy will be refreshed

The business minister is to announce Scotland’s space strategy will be refreshed to update the sector’s priorities.

Later on Thursday, Richard Lochhead will speak at the Space-Comm Expo in Glasgow, where he will tell his peers the country is to become a significant player in the global space sector.

In what will be the largest event of its kind ever in Scotland, he will highlight how the Scottish Government’s 2021 space strategy will be brought up in standard.

He will say the country’s space economy is attracting global investment, generating hundreds of millions of pounds annually, and supporting thousands of jobs.

Ahead of the expo, Mr Lochhead said: “Space is one of Scotland’s greatest economic opportunities and a new chapter in our long tradition of world class innovation.

“The pace of change has been astonishing.

“Scotland’s space sector generates almost £400 million in income and employs more than 7,000 people.

“If you track the rate of growth across nearly a decade, with space organisations up by 60% and a 100% increase in income, you are not simply talking about growth, you are talking about acceleration.

“We now have the UK’s first licensed space port and are moving towards its first orbital launch.”

He added:  “To colleagues joining us here from overseas, if you are looking to grow in Europe, Scotland is open.

“If you are looking for talent and excellence, you will find them here.

“We are not just an emerging space nation, we are one of the best places in Europe to locate, invest and grow.”