Easter Ross MP welcomes news of prospective freeport agreement, encouraging investment in the Highlands
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Jamie Stone, MP for Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross is the latest to speak out on the new freeport deal, with hopes that Cromarty can benefit from the expansion.
It was announced yesterday by the UK and Scottish governments that a deal has been struck to fund two green freeports in Scotland.
Mr Stone was pleased with the news, and joins Bob Buskie, chief executive of Port o Cromarty Firth, and councillor Margaret Davidson in recommending the Port of Cromarty Firth to be considered as one of the new ports.
Mr Stone did however criticise the governments for taking so long to come to agreement with the deal: "“In order to attract investment to the Highlands and to Scotland, it is important that we are on a level playing field with other parts of the UK, so I am glad that Scottish businesses will now have that certainty. In particular, I hope that the Cromarty Firth will be looked upon favourably as a potential site. Such an investment would benefit Easter Ross and the wider region.
“That said, it is frustrating that the governments could not have reached a mature agreement at a far earlier stage, as it leaves businesses in my constituency playing catchup. Splits in government and arguments over the constitution should never get in the way of good, green jobs.
“As we move forward with freeport plans, it is now important that both governments ensure the highest environmental standards and working conditions.”
