Free port push for Cromarty Firth town deserves to be 'shouted from the rooftops' says Easter Ross councillor
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AMBITIOUS plans to gain free port status must be championed to the hilt – in a bid to ensure the region’s economy is not overly-reliant on tourism for jobs, a senior Ross councillor has argued.
The Port of Cromarty Firth is among numerous hopefuls bidding for so-called “free port” status, which would enable firms to import goods through them without paying tariffs.
Successful ports could enjoy an injection of fresh trade, potentially boosting jobs in the region.
And Cromarty Firth ward councillor Maxine Morley-Smith has called for businesses and the public to sing the merits of the Port of Cromarty bid “from the rooftops” –in the hope it will not only help the region’s economy diversify, but also help it to recover from the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.
“For me this is so exciting for the ward that I serve, as well as Easter Ross and the wider Highlands. We have long talked about not being entirely reliant on tourism for jobs, and this is an ideal opportunity that cannot pass us by. We should be shouting this from the rooftops and getting right behind it.”
She added: “The Invergordon ports are part of an impressive consortium of business and enterprise agencies, who have come together to create a masterplan for the Highlands.
“This includes a Hydrogen Hub, which would potentially allow the Highlands to become carbon neutral, also creating jobs, but skilled jobs, as well as attracting other big industry to the area.
“It also includes financial benefits from large companies wanting to come and locate in the Highlands near to the port.”
Port of Cromarty Firth has said it will create a 50-year pipeline of work for the local workforce and businesses across the Highlands and that 11 organisations are collaborating on a joint bid, to ensure the region makes the most of this "once-in-a-generation opportunity" . The consortium includes Highlands and Islands Enterprise, HITRANS, the University of the Highlands and Islands, and three independent Port facilities; all share the same vision for the transformation this opportunity could bring to the region, it says.
It said: “We have been told that the Cromarty Firth has a compelling case for gaining Freeport status, and the Freeports consultation response issued by the UK Government this morning fully aligns with our plans to bounce back from COVID-19 and help revive our pandemic-hit economy.”
Related: Port of Cromarty Firth in running for four awards
'Act of good faith' plea to port
