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UK and Scottish Government announcement on green freeports bidding process welcomed by Highland Council leader Margaret Davidson


By Gregor White

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Port of Cromarty Firth.
Port of Cromarty Firth.

The UK and Scottish Governments have announced two green freeports are to be established in Scotland.

Highland Council is working with partners through the Opportunity Cromarty Firth (OCF) consortium to promote a range of projects that aim to reinforce and optimise Highland’s ongoing contribution to climate action at the national and regional level.

The OCF bid ties in with the council’s ambitions for Highland to be a green hub for Scotland as set out in the Future Highland Health and Prosperity Plan approved by Highland Council last year.

Councillor Margaret Davidson said: “The vouncil fully endorses Opportunity Cromarty Firth’s bid for Green Freeport status.

"This ambitious plan involves working collaboratively with key partners to put the Highlands at the forefront of addressing climate change and sustainable energy requirements in Scotland.

"We need to use our massive potential to generate and convert energy into such as deriving value from our waste, attracting green businesses, greening our HGV fleets and the desperate need to transition to affordable energy efficient homes.

“The merits of a successful bid are game-changing for the whole Highlands.

"It would propel the Highlands to the forefront of the green industrial revolution.

"Not only would it stimulate further economic activity and investment and make Highland more competitive, but having a coordinated and innovative approach between all public and private sectors will maximise the benefits of regeneration and sustainability of our communities.”

She added: “To enhance our economic viability for generations to come we need skilled well-paid jobs and opportunities, especially for our young people so they can prosper and carve our careers here in the Highlands.

"We look forward to continuing to work with Opportunity Cromarty Firth as they bring forward their bid.”

Green freeports would operate as special economic zones, offering tax breaks and lower business tariffs

A bidding process will begin in the spring and it is hoped the new sites will open in 2023.

Ministers from both the Scottish and UK governments will have a say in the assessment and selection process.

Related article: Opportunity Cromarty Firth welcomes UK and Scottish government green freeport announcement


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