Highland green freeport could spearhead an economic boom 'bigger than oil and gas'
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The Cromarty Firth and Inverness green freeport could spearhead an economic boom “bigger than oil and gas”, according to one of the initiative’s main players.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak confirmed during a visit to the Highlands that the region is to be granted freeport status, opening the door for a range of new industrial development stimulated by tax breaks and other incentives exclusive to the zoning.
With a second freeport created for the Forth area, the key axis of the Highland development will be centred on the Nigg Energy Park and Port of Cromarty Firth at Invergordon while the Port of Inverness and Inverness Campus will also play vital roles.
Concentrating on green energy developments, operators aim to tap into a major wave of investment through the ScotWind offshore wind power initiative “right on the doorstep” which they say could deliver billions of pounds of investment.
There are also plans for a new north of Scotland green energy hub that will help drive down carbon emissions.
And ambitions could even extend to constructing small modular nuclear reactors alongside establishing an applied research and development centre, named the Powerhouse, to innovate offshore wind and hydrogen technologies.
Asked how the freeport compares to the 1970s North Sea oil and gas boom which breathed new life into the economy of the north-east Highlands, Global Energy Group boss Roy MacGregor told the Courier: “I think this one is going to be bigger than oil and gas.
“I am even more excited today that we are starting a new journey. We’re looking forward to the next 50 years.
“Different sets of people are going to take up the cudgels and say we now have a renewed opportunity in the Highlands for enterprise and for manufacturing, with a new industry.
“Everyone here should be aware that it’s not just a renewables thing, this is a Highland thing and as a Highland boy, I am really proud that we got there.
“I think we started off this journey very much as underdogs and to get here and have the Prime Minister here is absolutely incredible.”
Chief executive of the Port of Cromarty Firth, Bob Buskie, described it as “a fantastic day for us” and that the presence of the Prime Minister indicated massive political support for the Highland freeport that “this is the place that is going to be at the centre of renewable development for Scotland”.
He said: “I think if you look at the government strategy on decarbonisation, net zero, we’re sitting here on the doorstep of the biggest wind resource probably in the world so it’s hugely important that this region takes advantage of that opportunity and has a strategy to make sure that we crystallise that.
“So the Prime Minister came here because this is the place that is going to be at the centre of renewable development for Scotland that we can use to deliver fantastic jobs, low carbon and make sure the opportunities for young people are here on their doorstep. So I think it’s a fantastic day for everyone.”
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak sounded equally excited about the prospects saying that the response from locals whom he met was “inspiring” as it offered a concrete future with well-paid and quality jobs.
“I think there are some very clear practical benefits, the most obvious one is jobs,” he said. “The jobs will be coming as a result of the investment that will be coming and you’ve seen that happen already.
“So I think that’s the most practical and tangible thing that will make the most difference to the community. And playing a part in that is really exciting and it is something that people in Scotland should be really proud of – their role in offshore wind is a great example here.
“But also, most importantly, it’s about optimism. You talk to the people that we were talking to this morning, the lift it has given them and the optimism that it will give to and feed the entire community in the entire region and that’s what levelling-up is about.”
Deputy First Minister John Swinney said: “Inverness and Cromarty Firth Green Freeport and Forth Green Freeport will support businesses to create high-quality, well-paid new jobs, promote growth and regeneration, and make a significant contribution to achieving our net zero ambitions.
“A rigorous joint selection process has been followed. The successful applicants showed a strong determination to embed fair work practices, including payment of the Real Living Wage, and to enshrine net zero initiatives in their work.
“We look forward to working closely with them to ensure they deliver maximum positive impact and become operational as soon as possible.
“Scotland has a rich history of innovation, trade and manufacturing and as we look to seize the many opportunities achieving net zero offers, the creation of these internationally competitive clusters of excellence will help us to create new green jobs, deliver a just transition and support our economic transformation.”
