Measures to handle Space Hub Sutherland spectators - BBC News
Dedicated car parking and other steps to avoid people parking on roadsides are planned for Space Hub Sutherland.
A 3D image of the proposed launch pad complex for Space Hub Sutherland

The developers of a proposed spaceport say measures would be taken to handle spectators who turn up to see launches.

If approved, small satellites could be launched from the Space Hub Sutherland site near Tongue up to 12 times a year.

Long stretches of the roads in the area on the north Sutherland coast are single-track.

The developers, which include Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE), have said car parking and signage would be provided to spectators.

Measures to prevent people from parking on the verges of the nearby A838 road, other "security arrangements" and public access to information on launches would also be put in place.

The details are included in an environmental assessment for the project.

There has been opposition from some residents in the area and Extinction Rebellion Scotland with concerns raised about the facility's impact on the environment.

Local group Protect the Mhoine said there were concerns for the loss of peatland, which acts as a "carbon sink" soaking up large amounts of carbon dioxide (C02) from the atmosphere.

It also has safety concerns about launches and the impact of any rocket failures.

In the environmental assessment, the developers have said strict rules on safety and protecting the environment would be followed at the site.

An earlier artist's impression of a launch at the spaceport

Working with private companies, HIE has proposed building Europe's first vertical launch site.

A planning application for the project was submitted to Highland Council earlier this month.

The rockets would carry small, commercial satellites that would typically be used for Earth observation.