'Ecstatic' cross-party welcome for Highland green freeport
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Confirmation a green freeport would be established in the Highlands was welcomed by politicians across the political divide, many of whom lobbied the government on the issue.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak led the praise but local MPs and MSPs have been pinning the region's economic hopes on the green freeport for some time, here is what they had to say.
Far North Liberal Democrat MP Jamie Stone said: “This is great news for the north of Scotland. It is as important as the decision taken in the 1970s to fabricate oil platforms in the Highlands. It kept a whole generation of Highlanders in well-paid work for many years.
“I, and everybody else in the Highlands, am deeply grateful to both the UK and the Scottish government for having taken this historic decision. If we get the green freeport right, it will provide huge job and economic opportunities in one of the areas in the UK where a boost is desperately needed.”
Ross, Skye and Lochaber MP Ian Blackford said: “The Highlands has a track record for producing green energy – including wind, tidal, and hydro – and a green freeport at Cromarty will provide a real boost, while delivering a wealth of benefits, not just for the Highlands but Scotland as a whole.”
“The SNP has a long history of supporting the industrial future of the Highlands. We need manufacturing jobs in order to diversify the economy and ensure well-paid employment so that young people can remain in the Highlands and reverse the socio-economic decline of some of our communities.”
Caithness, Sutherland and Ross MSP Maree Todd said: “I am ecstatic to hear that Opportunity Cromarty Firth have been successful in their bid for Green Free Port status. There is no underestimating how transformative this opportunity will be not only for my constituency, but for the whole of the Highlands.
“A green free port is going to bring tens of thousands of high-quality jobs to the area, which will help turn the tide against depopulation and support us in building thriving communities with healthy local economies. This opportunity also presents the Highlands with the chance to lead the way in the fight against climate change.”
Conservative MSP Edward Mountain said: “I’m delighted that Opportunity Cromarty Firth have been successful in their bid. I was more than happy to support them and champion their cause with the Scottish and UK governments.
“I believe the creation of a free trade zone in the Cromarty Firth will be truly transformational. It will enable the Highlands to attract more investment and create high-skilled local jobs. This port of opportunities is exactly what we need during these challenging times.
“Now we need to ensure that this new green freeport delivers all the benefits that it offers to the Highlands and I will do all I can to help this happen. Well done to all those who supported this bid.”
Labour MSP Rhoda Grant said: “It’s fantastic news that Cromarty has won the freeport bid. Individuals, regional businesses, public sector organisations and the education sector came together to give their support and backing to the proposal. It’s only fitting that OCF are now awarded the recognition of their hard work. OCF have worked tirelessly to support and strengthen the Highland economy.”
