Highland MSP played a critical role in securing green freeports for Scotland
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Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch MSP Kate Forbes played a major role in securing two Scottish green freeports after she took over the moribund negotiations with the UK government, it is understood.
It is understood that Westminster questioned whether the Scottish Government would ever accept the idea of the freeports as business minister Ivan Mckee did not warm to the prospect.
When the two green freeports were announced last week it was made clear that Ms Forbes played a pivotal role not in the selection process but in the negotiations between the governments.
That ultimately led to two winning bids – Opportunity Cromarty Firth in the Highlands and the Forth Green Freeport – the former being widely celebrated in the north as potentially transformational.
Ms Forbes joined many other local politicians in welcoming the news, saying: “The Highlands has a rich history of innovation and I am pleased to see its economic potential being recognised in this decision.
“This exciting opportunity will promote regeneration, create high-quality well-paid jobs, and help realise Scotland’s net zero ambitions, and I hope there will be significant knock-on benefits for the surrounding areas, including Dingwall and the Black Isle.
“I look forward to seeing further developments, and hope that engagement with local communities around the Firth will be a key priority as we go forward.”
