Watch This Space-

And Other Rocket Pelated Puns

The Highlands and Shetland are in a race to become Britain’s first spaceport, yes you read it right a space port in the far north which is a place where most struggle to get decent broadband. Why they even have whizzy McWhizzy names like the Shetland Space Centre located on Unst. Well I say located on Unst  in reality it is a flat slab of land at present. And  it is the deadly rival of  the Highlands peninsula A’Mhòine  which is also positing itself as a launch pad for future space ventures. And why does it matter, well there is the small matter of a £30m pot of cash to be awarded by the UK Space Agency (UKSA). The Highlands peninsula of A’Mhòine has been in pole position to develop Space Hub Sutherland, a launch pad to send small satellites up into the heavens. It hasn’t been plain sailing though.

Pass the Port

The Shetland Space Centre, that’s the one on Unst, has announced a three-month feasibility study to create a rival site in league with the French giant Ariane Group. Unst is the most northerly island in the Shetland archipelago. It seems to be a contest based on latitude. I sincerely hope it isn’t based on how good the weather is. I always thought that being near the equator made it easier to launch rockets, I didn’t know that dreich was a necessary pre-condition for space launches. And of course there is opposition to both projects.  At the A Mhòine site the local community is said to be so split about the damage to nature and sea birds and advantages of new enterprise to the point that the wounds will not heal in our lifetimes. That’s pretty split I’d say.

Spilt the Difference?

 Luckily here at James Pirie all is sweetness and light and there are no rifts in need of healing, just some positive determination to give you the best customer service and some cracking gifts and collectibles at sharp prices. In my recommendation I’ve swerved both the Highlands and Shetland by choosing the Royal Scot Crystal  Skye Range box of 2 Large  and lovely tumblers all in a presentation box. They are naturally five star rated, you need no telescope to see these stars and half price. Launch yourself at that soon. They’ll land smoothly at your door.

https://www.jamespirie.com/whisky-gifts/skye-box-of-2-large-tumblers.html