< Return to Cluster Directory
North Coast Space Cluster
Overview
With strengths in aerospace, hydrogen energy systems, and precision engineering, as well as proximity to protected airspace and expansive maritime zones, the North Coast Space Cluster is building the foundation for a sovereign launch and tracking ecosystem with global reach. Furthermore, with strategic spaceport positions offering polar and sun-synchronous orbits, coupled with subsea fibre-optic landing stations, the region offers a unique gateway for integrating terrestrial and orbital data networks.
Its exceptionally dark skies and low light pollution also offer ideal conditions for astrophysics, optical tracking, and space domain awareness, complementing planned launch activity.
See the North Coast Space Cluster’s strategy document here.
Key Contacts
Pete Guthrie
David Howie
Facilities, Assets, and Academic Institutions
-
Enterprise Park / Horizon Scotland
Also known as Horizon Scotland, is a business park located in Forres. It offers modern office and workspace solutions to businesses and is home to a range of innovative companies, including those in the technology and space sectors.
-
Manufacturing Innovation Centre for Moray (MICM)
The MICM is a planned facility aimed at driving innovation and growth in manufacturing within Moray. It will provide a collaborative environment for businesses, research institutions, and other stakeholders involved in advanced manufacturing technologies.
-
Moray Advance Technology and Innovation Campus (MAATIC)
MAATIC is a research and innovation facility in Moray, focused on supporting businesses in the aerospace, defence, and space sectors. The campus offers state-of-the-art facilities, collaboration spaces, and access to cutting-edge technology.
-
Moray & Elgin Business Park
Located in Elgin, Moray & Elgin Business Park is a prime location for businesses within the region. With high-quality office and industrial space, the park offers the necessary infrastructure to support companies operating in various sectors, including the space industry.
-
Space Hub Sutherland
Located on the A’Mhoine Peninsula in the Highlands, Space Hub Sutherland is a planned satellite launch site for small satellites. It aims to become a leading player in the emerging small satellite launch sector and contribute to the growth of the UK’s space industry.
-
University of Highlands and Islands (UHI)
UHI is a network of colleges and research institutions located throughout the Highlands and Islands region of Scotland. The university offers a range of courses and research opportunities in various fields, contributing to the development of skills and expertise needed for the space sector.
Partners
-
Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE)
HIE is the Scottish Government’s economic and community development agency for the Highlands and Islands region. It aims to promote sustainable economic growth, job creation, and business development in the area, including supporting the space industry.
-
Orbex
Orbex is a UK-based space launch company that develops small satellite launch vehicles. They are focused on creating environmentally sustainable and cost-effective solutions for launching small satellites into orbit, with a strong presence in the North Coast region.
-
Scottish Space Academic Forum (SSAF)
The SSAF is a network of academic institutions across Scotland that are engaged in space-related research and education. The forum facilitates collaboration and knowledge exchange among its members, helping to drive innovation and growth in the Scottish space sector
Regional Strengths
For more detail, see the Space Capabilities Catalogue. For more information on the technical areas, see the Investor Launchpad Capability Brochures.
Launch
Launch
The North Coast of Scotland offers a prime location for accessing polar and sun-synchronous orbits, essential for Earth observation and climate monitoring satellites. Its remote setting provides clear trajectories over the North Atlantic, minimising risks to populated areas.
Advanced energy sectors
Advanced energy sectors
The region is adjacent to significant hydrogen and nuclear energy developments, presenting opportunities for cross-sector collaboration and skills transfer. These industries can contribute to advancements in sustainable propulsion systems and energy storage solutions for space applications.
Advanced engineering supply chains
Advanced engineering supply chains
Moray’s strong food and drink sector, including globally recognised whisky distilleries, sustains a highly skilled, precision-oriented engineering workforce and a mature supply chain skilled in automation, robotics, and advanced manufacturing. This overlaps with expertise from the regional aerospace industry, particularly in mechanical systems, materials processing, and quality assurance.
Current Market Focus & Opportunities
For more detail, see the Space Capabilities Catalogue.
Access to international data infrastructure
Access to international data infrastructure
The presence of international data cables in the region offers high-speed connectivity essential for satellite data transmission and ground station operations.
Sustainable practices
Sustainable practices
An oversupply of renewable energy production in the North Highland and Moray areas provides a unique opportunity to embrace the decarbonisation initiatives as outlined in the Net Zero ambitions of both the UK and Scottish Governments.
Environmental monitoring and research
Environmental monitoring and research
The region's proximity to diverse ecosystems offers unique opportunities for environmental monitoring and research in climate studies, marine observation, and natural resource management.
Astro-tourism
Astro-tourism
With its stunning natural landscape, cultural heritage, and established tourism infrastructure, the region is well-positioned to host astronomy experiences, launch viewing events, and immersive science centres tied to local space activity.
Keep In Touch
- Website: www.cnsrp.org.uk/space
- General Email: space@cnsrp.org.uk