Two Scottish green freeport winners ‘decided’ but not yet revealed as the losing bids are expected to be offered Investment Zone status though that is tricky
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The successful Scottish green freeport bids have been “decided” but the winners have not yet been revealed prompting a nervous wait for many with so much at stake.
The confirmation came from Scottish Secretary Alister Jack at the Conservative Party conference where he said that an announcement will be made imminently on the five Scottish bidders.
The green freeport concept – a zoned area of low taxation funded by seed cash to target renewable energy and redevelopment – is considered potentially “transformational.”
The Scottish bids were led by Opportunity Cromarty Firth which was repeatedly described as the “best” and the only one capable of fully harnessing and delivering on the green freeport ambitions.
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- If the Cromarty Firth misses out on a green freeport it could cost the country thousands of jobs and billions of pounds with all three Highland MPs say it would halt the economic decline in the north
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They are competing against others from Aberdeen-Peterhead, as well as the Clyde, the Firth of Forth, and Orkney.
Mr Jack added that the losing bids are expected to be offered Investment Zone status – a lesser designation but it is not entirely clear what will be on the table though that would require Scottish Government approval.
A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “Scottish Ministers’ first priority is the rapid conclusion of the green ports competitive process and they hope to announce the winning bids jointly with the UK Government very soon.
“The Deputy First Minister has welcomed the UK Government’s commitment to working in partnership on Investment Zones and has been clear they must be the right fit for Scotland.
“Further detail on Investment Zones is needed in order to be considered in the context of Scotland’s economic, policy and governance landscape.
“Many of their characteristics would appear to touch on a number of devolved areas so there are judgements to be made and the Scottish Government will continue to engage on those with the UK government.”
