The Scottish Highlands and Islands Enterprise has acquired the assets of Sutherland Spaceport Ltd, an Orbex subsidiary, from its joint liquidators. In a 25 August announcement, HIE said it would review how the partially developed vertical launch site on Scotland’s north coast could be used. “Having acquired these assets, our next move will be to work with the local community and players in the space sector to inform future decisions on how to make the most of the spaceport’s potential to deliver long‑term economic benefits,” said David Oxley, director of strategic projects at HIE. Scotland’s cabinet secretary for economy, tourism and transport, Stephen Flynn, also expressed support for continued development of the planned launch facility. Work on infrastructure needed for vertical launches was halted in December 2024 after Orbex paused construction to focus on its Proxima medium‑lift rocket, following the collapse of its parent company into administration in February. Orbex’s parent firm entered administration on 18 February after an attempted acquisition by The Exploration Company fell through in early February. Sutherland Spaceport Ltd entered compulsory liquidation on 18 June, and its assets, including existing infrastructure at the site, were marketed for sale by liquidators from London‑based FRP Advisory.