Scottish Green Freeport Project Unlocks Funding, Targets Renewable Energy Hub Status
The Inverness and Cromarty Firth Green Freeport (ICFGF) has reached a significant milestone with the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the UK and Scottish governments, Highland Council, and the freeport itself. This agreement marks the final stage of a five-year planning process to establish the green freeport, creating a formal framework for cooperation and responsibilities among the stakeholders. The signing ceremony took place at Aurora Energy Services' new £1.2 million training centre in Inverness, with attendance from Scottish Secretary Douglas Alexander, Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes, and Highland Council leader Raymond Bremner.
The newly signed agreement unlocks £25 million in UK government funding that will support infrastructure development at partner ports. Over the next 25 years, the green freeport is projected to create more than 11,000 long-term jobs in the Highlands while attracting an estimated £6.5 billion of investment. The freeport consists of zones where tax incentives and lower tariffs are available to companies, with three designated tax sites spanning Cromarty Firth, Ardersier, and Inverness specifically designed to attract businesses in offshore wind, green hydrogen, and advanced manufacturing sectors.
ICFGF has already demonstrated its effectiveness in attracting major investments to the region. The freeport played an instrumental role in securing Sumitomo Electric's £350 million subsea cable manufacturing facility at Port of Nigg, which is expected to create more than 150 local jobs when it opens next year. Additionally, the Ardersier Energy Transition Facility has secured a £100 million joint credit facility and has placed contracts with more than 110 local firms as part of its development plans for industrial-scale deployment of fixed and floating offshore wind infrastructure.
The green freeport has committed to meeting net zero targets and supporting fair work practices, aligning with both governments' clean energy objectives. ICFGF Chief Executive Calum MacPherson described the milestone as "truly a historic moment" reflecting "shared ambition to deliver jobs, investment and supply chain growth." Scottish Secretary Douglas Alexander emphasized that the Green Freeport "will transform the economy of the Highlands, as well as playing a key role in our clean energy future," while Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes noted the scheme aims to bring up to 11,300 jobs to the Highlands in line with fair work policies.
