Image copyright HIE Image caption An artist's impression of the spaceport

Three companies are to work on the design of a spaceport proposed for land on the Melness Crofters Estate in Sutherland.

The site would be used for launching small satellites.

Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) is heading up the £17,5m Space Hub Sutherland project.

Architectural firm Norr Consultants will lead the production of the design, working with Arup Engineers and ERZ landscape architects.

The funding for the spaceport includes a £2.5m grant from the UK Space Agency.

HIE said planning consent could be sought later this year and construction of the facility could begin next year.