Scottish green freeport guide sets out the standards applicants – including Port of Cromarty Firth – must meet in order to be considered
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
A new guide has been published to show potential green freeport operators in Scotland what will be required of them by both the Scottish and UK governments.
The Port of Cromarty Firth has already committed to bidding to be one of the two green freeports planned for Scotland, but faces competition from other Scottish ports, including Rosyth, Dundee, Hunterston, Orkney and Aberdeen.
The newly published joint prospectus underlines the Scottish Government’s commitment to ensure the winning bidders adhere to Fair Work First criteria, including payment of the real Living Wage, and calls on bidders to reflect that in setting out their fair work strategies.
Applicants must demonstrate how, if successful, they will support high-quality employment opportunities that offer good salaries and conditions, and embed fair work practices in the wider green freeport area to spread any benefits as much as possible.
Bidders will also be asked to demonstrate how they will contribute to Scotland’s climate ambitions and help the country reach net zero.
In return, they will receive a number of benefits, including significant tax and customs duty reliefs.
Scotland's economy secretary, Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch MSP Kate Forbes, said: “This joint prospectus recognises the distinct needs of Scotland's economy by clearly setting out how any bids to establish green freeports in Scotland must help to deliver net zero ambitions and embed fair work practices.
“Earlier this month I published a new national strategy to help transform the economy. This included clear commitments that will help create good quality green jobs, deliver fairer working conditions, secure our just transition to net zero and grow international markets that bring new supply chain benefits to all of Scotland.
"Green freeports will be an important vehicle to help deliver these ambitions.”
UK levelling up minister Michael Gove MP said: “I’m proud that today we have launched the bidding process for green freeports. They are a key part of our levelling up agenda, and will bring jobs and prosperity to the successful areas.
"We have worked closely with the Scottish Government to ensure that green freeports support their transition to the net zero economy and help to regenerate local areas.
“I am excited to see the innovative proposals come forward, and these green freeports built so they can start to deliver for the people of Scotland.”
Applications will be accepted until June 20, but any applicants who do not meet the requirements as set out in the prospectus will not be deemed acceptable bidders.
Bids will be assessed jointly by the Scottish and UK governments. Winning bids will be selected jointly by Scottish and UK Ministers, with winners announced over the summer.
