North Sea Commission delegation welcomed to Inverness by Highland Council
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The importance of strengthening links between the Highlands and European communities linked by the North Sea has been highlighted during talks.
Delegates from the North Sea Commission were welcomed to Inverness by Highland Council representatives to share ideas and discuss the challenges and opportunities.
One opportunity spotlighted was the Inverness and Cromarty Firth Green Freeport which is set to be a key driver for economic growth in the region.
Councillor Ken Gowans, the chairman of Highland Council’s economy and infrastructure committee, welcomed the delegates to the council headquarters to discuss potential collaboration with the European co-operative platform.
Also present was Councillor Trish Robertson who is the international president of KIMO, an organisation which works to unite local governments to prevent pollution and protect, preserve, and enhance seas and coastal waters.
Through dialogue and formal partnerships, the North Sea Commission aims to promote common interests, especially in relation to European Union institutions, national governments and other organisations dealing with issues that are relevant to the North Sea.
The delegates included Elisbet Babic, president of the commission, and vice president Siv Henriette Jacobsen.
Cllr Gowans said: "The meeting provided an opportunity to stress the importance of maintaining and fostering greater connectivity between the Highlands and our European colleagues, particularly as we share mutual interests.
"One of the North Sea Commission’s main aims is to strengthen partnerships between regional authorities which face many similar challenges and opportunities, so it is important we share our knowledge and experience.
"One such opportunity now exists in Highland - the Inverness and Cromarty Firth Green Freeport - which is set to be a key driver for economic growth and will benefit everyone in Highland."
He added: "We will give serious consideration to the options available to us to continue this dialogue with all members of the North Sea Commission."
Cllr Robertson said: "It's great to catch up with the delegates from the North Sea Commission today to discuss our common interests and explore possible areas where we can work together."
