People could be blasting off to space from Scotland with Prestwick Airport still in the running to be a European Spaceport.

 

The Ayrshire airport is one of five shortlisted sites for the UK bid to host the spaceport which would launch satellites and commercial space flights.

The Department for Transport said Campbeltown, Glasgow Prestwick and Stornoway as well as Newquay in England and Llanbedr in Wales were the final shortlist for consideration.

Airport bosses said Prestwick was the ideal location for the spaceport.

Iain Cochrane, Chief Executive of Glasgow Prestwick Airport, said: "Prestwick Airport has been a pioneer of the UK aerospace industry and aviation since its foundation in 1935.

"I believe Prestwick offers the perfect conditions for space launches and our extensive developed concrete airfield and 3km runway provide the facilities needed for all types of re-usable spacecraft in development."