SCOTLAND’S space industry is now worth more to the economy than the defence sector, new research published today has found.
Figures produced by the ADS Group, the trade association for the aerospace, defence and space industries in Scotland and the rest of the UK, show the three sectors together are worth £6.4 billion.
The rapidly growing space sector makes the largest contribution, with a turnover of £2.5bn, compared to £2bn for aerospace and £1.9bn for defence.
The numbers form part of ADS’s first industry facts-and-figures guide for Scotland. It sets out the strength of the three sectors, and details the organisation’s priorities for the year ahead in 2018.
Defence is still the biggest employer, with 11,400 people working in the sector, compared to 7200 in space and 7700 in aerospace, taking the total workforce to more than 26,000.
There are more than 800 apprentices employed across the three sectors, as each invests in training and developing a highly skilled workforce for the future.
Key priorities for ADS Scotland in the year ahead include promoting global investment and export opportunities for its sectors, and working with industry to make sure Scottish businesses are prepared and well placed to succeed after Brexit.
ADS chief executive Paul Everitt said: “Our industries are making a great contribution to prosperity in communities across Scotland, providing thousands of jobs in these high-value manufacturing sectors.
“All three are highly productive, innovative and generating long-term growth. The rapid expansion of the space sector shows the new opportunities that are being developed by innovative companies here in Scotland.
“The years ahead of us will bring further opportunities to boost exports and create new jobs, as well as the challenge of making sure we are prepared to succeed after Brexit. We will be working closely with companies in our sectors across Scotland to make sure they continue to enjoy the best possible conditions for business success.”
The 2017 Industry Facts and Figures guide is published to coincide with an ADS Scotland parliamentary reception at Holyrood today.
The event will give MSPs the opportunity to meet more than 100 apprentices and senior representatives from 35 companies to discuss careers in science, technology, engineering and maths – the STEM subjects – as well as other key issues.
The ADS Group has member companies based at sites around Scotland, including in Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen, Dundee, Prestwick, Stranraer, Perth, Moray, Rosyth and Glenrothes.
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel