As a nation, we Scots have always been at the forefront of technological innovation.
From James Watt’s steam engine to John Logie Baird’s television, Scotland has a proud history of boldly going where no man has gone before.
It seems we’re now taking that phrase literally as the Scottish government attempt to accelerate plans for Scotland to become “Europe’s leading space nation” by 2030.
The news that innovation minister Richard Lochhead was in Los Angeles last week to speak at a summit on the future of everything intergalactic, I’m sure, would’ve come as a surprise to many.
Given how we manage our infrastructure and transport network on solid ground, I certainly have my doubts about how we could possibly be one of the top players in the endless nothingness of space in just over six years’ time.
While potholes, striking train workers and poor links to the rest of the UK stifle and frustrate workers and businesses alike, I doff my cap to the Scottish government for having the ambition, and the gumption, to make such a bold claim.
In a week where many ordinary Scots were dealing with the aftermath of immense flood waters, Mr Lochhead was over the pond trying to sell Scotland to the world.
Of course, I am being pedantic, and these bold claims about Scotland’s value to the space industry are, indeed, grounded in fact.
Hoped to be a £4bn industry by 2030, it certainly appears like it’s about to lift off.
The sector, driven by finding climate change solutions through new technologies, already employs 8,400 people, a fifth of all UK space jobs, with plans to increase that number to 20,000 by 2030.
Notably, a rocket is currently being developed in California, due to be used for Pathfinder, the UK’s first vertical space launch, which will jet off from the SaxaVord spaceport in Shetland, where it is hoped commercial flights can also one day operate.
Indeed, Scotland is home to five of seven proposed UK spaceport sites.
Glasgow manufactures more small satellites than any other city in Europe, while Edinburgh is the location of over 170 data science companies.
Scots scientists are also helping efforts to decarbonise air travel and hope to signal a new eco-friendly dawn for space exploration.
Attending the Space Economy Summit, sponsored by The Economist, will put Mr Lochhead in front of delegates, many of whom will be wealthy US investors, government officials, and international industry experts and boffins.
With decades of little heavy industry, should the Moray MSP be able to convince the summit of Scotland’s potential and ability to deliver in space, it could be a game changer for our economy and, as noted above, provide a welcome jobs boost.
We certainly could do with a boost considering the gaping economic black hole caused by the cost-of-living crisis, the pulling of scores of EU funding after Brexit and the lack of investment in both urban and rural communities.
I will always be an advocate for dealing with matters at home first, but a confident Scotland helping to set the agenda alongside the likes of NASA and the Russians could prove to be the inspiration future generations need.
Imagine it, Scotland launching into a new dawn powered by rocket fuel (or a greener alternative) and Irn Bru, all the while tackling the grave issues facing all of us with the future of the planet.
I don’t think space travel would be for me, I prefer my adrenaline thrills and G-force grilling in the comfort of the boardroom, but if it inspires a new era of Scots to explore the seemingly endless possibilities of the cosmos, I’m all for it.
While we need politicians like Lochhead and government papers like the 2022 Space Sustainability Roadmap to give our claims credence, isn’t humankind’s history with outer space built on dreams and fantasy after all?
Well done Mr Lochhead, you’ve convinced this old cynic. Now go and make sure Scotland becomes a shooting star in global space circles, while I continue my work griping about more mundane matters here on Earth.
Vinyl Revival Spins Into East Lothian
It’s always been fascinating to see what old trends come back into fashion over the years. Whether it’s toys from the 90s or wild and whacky clothes popular in the 80s, the retro market is booming thanks to nostalgia.
Due to the passing nature of this, I’m always rather impressed by any business founded to really capitalise on a previous trend and make it a success of their own.
A new venture for Scotland’s very first vinyl record factory has begun construction in East Lothian, founded by two business partners, David and Dominique Harvey, who during the lockdown period became aware of issues with vinyl record production in the face of this recent surge in popularity of this older format of music.
It’s not just a niche collectors’ game anymore either. According to the Entertainment Retailers Association (ERA), 2022 saw an all-time high in vinyl record sales of £150.5m, outselling the CD market by value for the first time since 1987.
Seabass Vinyl will be the first Scottish facility to open – with owners optimistic their first output will be in November.
Now, there’s a risk that this venture may have to face the music as there’s challenges aplenty, including cashflow across the first six months along with ongoing claims that the market is simply not sustainable due to the sheer amount of energy pumped into vinyl record production.
However, owners claim the construction and operations of Seabass Vinyl will be primarily sustainability focused. Here’s hoping that this business has what it takes to become Top of the Pops, spurring further industry in Scotland – instead of a potential one hit wonder.
It Made Me Laugh
Tomatoes and Timelessness
Sometimes, nothing beats setting time aside to get stuck into a good book.
However, an Orkney library found themselves at the centre of their very own tale this past week with an overdue book returning almost half a century later.
The book called Tomatoes for Everyone was loaned out back on January 21, 1974 and apparently was returned in pristine condition despite its absence from the library – one of the oldest in Scotland.
Despite the delight of social media enjoying a good read of this predicament, the library doesn’t issue overdue fees which is good news.
I’m just glad they won’t be throwing the book at them here, as I wouldn’t want to know what the fine could have been.
It Made Me Weep
Final Chapter for Foodmek
It’s always a shame to see a long-standing business close its doors, and tragically this past week saw a Fife food manufacturer firm call it quits after 50 years in the business.
Foodmek Ltd, a group who supply processing equipment for the food and drink industry, has applied for liquidation due to uncertainty and spiralling energy costs.
Based in Tayport, Fife, the closure impacts 32 jobs, a huge shame as the manufacturer has been a fantastic employer for the region for generations.
This is becoming a story that is all too frequent these days with companies unable to afford to supply overseas, make a profit and therefore hit a brick wall with operation costs during this incredibly unpredictable day and age.
