Highland MSP backs Cromarty Firth 'green freeport' status as key to jobs and investment
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MSP Edward Mountain is the latest to back the Opportunity Cromarty Firth consortium's proposal to gain green freeport status.
It follows news that the UK and Scottish Government's agreed to create two new green freeports last week.
The consortium is backed by the Port of Cromarty Firth, Global Energy Group, Highland Resources, Port of Inverness and around a dozen key regional businesses and public sector services.
The creation of a free trade zone in the Cromarty Firth has the potential to maximise opportunities for offshore energy development projects, enabling the Highlands to attract more investment and create high-skilled local jobs.
The Minister for Business, Trade, Tourism and Enterprise today confirmed to the Scottish Parliament, that ports which are bidding for green freeport status would need to ensure fair work practices and be an exemplar for achieving Scotland’s net-zero ambitions.
Following the statement, Edward Mountain MSP commented: “I welcome the joint approach taken by the UK and Scottish Governments to create two new green freeports and I believe Opportunity Cromarty Firth should be at the top of the list for obtaining this new status.
“A free trade zone within the Highlands would be transformational for the region, creating jobs and attracting investment for years to come.
“Cromarty Firth is already operating as a vital support hub for offshore energy projects and leading the way when it comes to the construction of large offshore wind projects.
“It is ideally placed to benefit from green freeport status and I will do everything I can to support Opportunity Cromarty Firth to achieve its ambitions.”
Speaking on behalf of OCF, Port of Cromarty Firth chief executive, Bob Buskie, earlier said: “Green freeport status for the Cromarty Firth would bring a very significant and lasting boost to the economy of the Highlands.
“By enabling the area to compete on a level playing field with other parts of the UK it would play a vital part in realising the full potential of a sustainable long-term pipeline of offshore renewable energy projects, including creating many high-quality jobs.
“That is the key aspiration of the businesses and organisations that are continuing to work closely together in the OCF consortium for the benefit of the Highlands and Scotland.”
