Highland Council leader joins Nicola Sturgeon in welcoming £110m East Highland investment
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Highland Council leader Margaret Davidson has welcomed confirmation of plans to create the UK's biggest wind farm tower rolling factory at Nigg.
The £110 million project proposed by Nigg Offshore Wind Asset Company Limited (NOW) – a joint venture by Global Energy Group and leading European tower manufacturer, Haizea Wind Group, Bilbao – was announced by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon on a visit to the Easter Ross facility.
Ms Sturgeon said bold, collective action was required to tackle the global climate emergency.
"The growth of our renewables sector over the next 10 years will be truly transformative, helping to deliver a just transition to net zero and a greener, fairer future for us all," she continued.
“This significant investment in Scotland’s energy sector is testament to the skills, expertise and innovation within our industry. We are delighted to financially support this cutting edge offshore wind towers facility, through Highlands and Islands Enterprise, as it reaches this significant milestone, that will deliver high value, green jobs and bring multiple benefits to communities across the Highlands and beyond while playing a pivotal role in delivering offshore renewables growth in Scotland and further afield.”
Councillor Davidson joined the First Minister for the announcement at the Port of Nigg.
She said: “I am delighted to hear first-hand today about the plans and timeline for a state of the art tower manufacturing facility which will propel Scotland and in particular, the Highlands, to the forefront of the green industrial revolution. This is a first for Scotland, and I am very proud that Highland has been chosen as the prime location which clearly supports Opportunity Cromarty Firth’s ambition for the Cromarty Firth to become an ‘Green Port’ – Scottish Freeport.”
“This new facility will bring much needed jobs and prosperity to the Highlands and will enhance our economic viability for years to come. This initiative also fits with our Council’s ambitions for Highland to be a Green Hub for Scotland as set out in our Future Highland Health and Prosperity Plan which was approved by Council in September.”
The Council’s recommended approach to the development of a net zero strategy and action plan, including clear targets and performance indicators, is set out in a report to council for members’ consideration on December 9.
