SCOTLAND could be set to become a new space haven as four sites are confirmed to be in the running to become the first spaceport base in the UK.

Campbeltown in Argyll and Bute, Glasgow Prestwick and Stornoway are all in the running to host the space base as the shortlist ofeight UK sites was cut to six.

Officials behind the project say the aim is for the spaceport to be operational by 2018 and will be designed to launch commercial satellites and could also be adapted to accommodate space tourists.

Two airfields at RAF Lossiemouth and Kinloss Barracks in Moray were ruled out by the consultation team due to “overriding military operational factors”.

Sites south of the Border, Llanbedr in Wales and Newquay in Cornwall are also in contention.

The next step in the decision process will be developing a detailed technical specification of spaceport requirements, to be published later this year.

The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) said potential spaceport sites should have a runway which is already more than 3,000m (9842ft) long or could be extended to that length, and is located away from densely populated areas.

The group also said the port should be at a coastal location and be able to command special use of an airspace area to manage flights safely.

Strathclyde University in Glasgow is at the forefront of UK space and aerospace engineering, with Dundee also boasting cutting-edge courses in computer space technology.

Infrastructure, Investment and Cities Secretary Keith Brown said: “Today’s announcement provides some welcome clarity around the criteria and what is required moving forward, in particular the technical requirements governing infrastructure, airspace management and safety.

“Our main focus is on ensuring the spaceport is based in Scotland and each owner and their local partners will now decide whether to progress their own bid in light of today’s detail.

“As we’ve consistently said, we stand ready to support andoffer advice to any Scottish bid – not just Prestwick.

“While Prestwick airport would appear to be in a strong position, there may also be scope to utilise more airfields in Scotland as part of any successful bid to ensure other parts of the country benefit along theway.”

Iain Cochrane, chief executive of Glasgow Prestwick Airport,welcomed the announcement, with the site believed to be in pole position to secure the development.

“Prestwick 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 reusable spacecraft in development,” he said.

“We have an experienced hi-tech aerospace workforce and a substantial aviation and hi-tech engineering industrial footprint. Our Scottish Enterprise incentive zone supports the growth of the space industry.”

He added: “While we have safe over-water flight paths, we also have over four million people within a two-hour drive, giving us access to the widest range of specialists and expertise. This combination of features is unique among the sites being considered and positions Prestwick as the leading candidate to become the UK’s first spaceport.”

UK Business Secretary Vince Cable said the development of the station could be one of the highlights of the Coalition Government’s time in power. The MP said: “Paving the way for a national spaceport is one of our biggest science achievements in this Parliament.

“Launching satellites and operating commercial space flights from our shores was once confined to the depths of science fiction, but with the results of this consultation we are one step closer to making this a very real ability in the near future.”