Tory MSP Edward Mountain supports green freeport status for Opportunity Cromarty Firth
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Highlands and Islands MSP Edward Mountain has backed "transformational" plans for the Cromarty Firth to get green freeport status.
The move, agreed between the UK and Scottish Goverment, is part of "levelling up" plans designed to bring increased prosperity to rural areas of the country.
Cromarty is one of two areas in the running to set to benefit from the status, which Prime Minister Boris Johnson said will bring jobs and investment opportunities to the area.
Mr Mountain, Scottish Conservative list MSP for the region, said that the move has the potential to maximise opportunities for offshore energy development projects.
He added that it would enable the Highlands to attract more investment and create high-skilled local jobs.
Ports which are bidding for green freeport status will need to ensure fair work practices and set an example to others for Scotland's net zero ambitions.
Mr Mountain said: “I welcome the joint approach taken by the UK and Scottish Governments to create two new green freeports and I believe Opportunity Cromarty Firth should be at the top of the list for obtaining this new status.
“A free trade zone within the Highlands would be transformational for the region, creating jobs and attracting investment for years to come.
“Cromarty Firth is already operating as a vital support hub for offshore energy projects and leading the way when it comes to the construction of large offshore wind projects.
“It is ideally placed to benefit from green freeport status and I will do everything I can to support Opportunity Cromarty Firth to achieve its ambitions.”
The Opportunity Cromarty Firth (OCF) consortium is backed by the Port of Cromarty Firth, Global Energy Group, Highland Resources, Port of Inverness and around a dozen key regional businesses and public sector services.
Speaking on behalf of OCF, Port of Cromarty Firth chief executive, Bob Buskie, said: “Green freeport status for the Cromarty Firth would bring a very significant and lasting boost to the economy of the Highlands.
“By enabling the area to compete on a level playing field with other parts of the UK it would play a vital part in realising the full potential of a sustainable long-term pipeline of offshore renewable energy projects, including creating many high-quality jobs. “That is the key aspiration of the businesses and organisations that are continuing to work closely together in the OCF consortium for the benefit of the Highlands and Scotland.”
