CFPA "trust" bid by MSP

A ROSS MSP has stated his intention to build "trust and cooperation" with a key employer in his constituency.

Rob Gibson made his remarks after visiting the Invergordon base of the Cromarty Firth Port Authority (CFPA) and meeting port manager, Ken Gray.

The Caithness, Sutherland and Ross representative toured the Cromaty Firth on the pilot boat.

Speaking afterwards, he said, "Ken Gray and his team can show a strong increase in fabrication and service work in both oil and renewables sectors in the Firth. This compliments general cargo and cruise liner trade.

"I welcome the chance to build up trust and cooperation between the CFPA and the local community so that job developments can be achieved in these promising economic times for offshore energy businesses.

"I will be discussing the role of the CPFA in the national renewables strategy with Ministers and encourage the new Energy Minister Fergus Ewing to make an early visit to the area.

"I had frank and friendly discussions about the need for more land for port development, the impact of the Crown Estate Commission policies and the prospects for the trust port. We will continue this dialogue both here and in Edinburgh in the coming months."

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