PLANS to open a spaceport in the Highlands could be grounded because of birds, conservationists have warned.

Vertical rocket and satellite launches are planned from the remote A’Mhoine peninsula in Sutherland.

The UK Space Agency said the move could pave the way for space flights from the site between Tongue and Durness.

Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) will be given £2.5million from the UK Government to develop the spaceport, which could be operational by the early 2020s, but much of the area is a protected wildlife haven – mainly for birds.

A spokesman for RSPB Scotland said: “The news that Scotland could host the UK’s first space port represents a potentially exciting opportunity for the country, but it must be done in a way that respects the incredible wildlife and habitats of this area that support numerous rare and threatened species.

“Multiple domestic, European and international nature conservation designations apply in this location owing to the incredible spectrum of wildlife present. HIE and other members of the project development team will no doubt be aware of these, and have the best interests of preserving them at heart.”

About a dozen rocket launches a year are planned from A’Mhoine.

HIE chief Charlotte Wright said: “The establishment of the UK’s first spaceport in the Highlands and Islands is a fantastic opportunity for Scotland.”