By Peter A Walker

Copyright insider

Inverness and Cromarty Firth Green Freeport (ICFGF) will today reach a milestone as a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) is signed between with the UK and Scottish governments, and the Highland Council.

This is the final stage of a five-year planning process and creates a formal framework for co-operation and responsibilities between the stakeholders.

The event was attended by Scottish Secretary Douglas Alexander, Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes and Highland Council leader Raymond Bremner. The local authority will act as the accountable body for overseeing the appropriate use of public funds and proper governance.

The agreement unlocks £25m in funding from the UK Government, which ICFGF will use to support delivery of significant infrastructure projects at its partner ports.

Over the next 25 years, the freeport is predicted to create more than 11,000 jobs, while attracting an estimated £6.5bn of investment.

The signing of the MoU took place at Aurora Energy Services’ recently-opened £1.2m training facility in Inverness. Aurora, which is headquartered in one of ICFGF’s designated tax sites, is planning to train more than 2,000 workers for the sector at the centre each year.

Although the MoU completes the final stage of the set-up phase, the ICFGF was an instrumental lever used to attract Sumitomo Electric (UK) to Port of Nigg. Its £350m subsea cable manufacturing facility will create more than 150 local jobs when it opens next year.

Meanwhile, Ardersier Energy Transition Facility, which secured a £100m joint credit facility to create infrastructure for industrial-scale deployment of fixed and floating offshore wind, has placed contracts with more than 110 local firms as part of the development.

“This is a pivotal moment in the UK Government’s mission to boost economic growth in all parts of the UK,“ said Alexander. “Supported by £25m of UK Government investment, and a range of tax incentives, this important collaboration between governments and local partners will deliver thousands of high-quality jobs and attract billions in investment.”

Forbes said: “With its focus on the renewable and low-carbon energy industries, Inverness and Cromarty Firth Green Freeport aims to bring up to 11,300 jobs to the Highlands aligning with the Scottish Government’s flagship Fair Work First policy.

“This signing marks an exciting milestone as we enter the delivery phase which will bring more business to the region, following on from significant investments, we’ve already seen including the Sumitomo subsea cable plant at Nigg and the Haventus energy transition facility at Ardersier.”

Calum MacPherson, chief executive of ICFGF, said: “Today’s milestone has been possible because of the shared ambition of many organisations to deliver positive change for the economic prosperity of the Highlands, for our young people and future generations, and for the health of our planet.

“This is a time to look ahead with optimism, while also reflecting on all that we have already achieved to deliver jobs, investment and supply chain growth.

“We’re proving that the Highlands can compete – and win – on the international stage.”

Bremner added: “Our vision is bold: a globally competitive hub for floating offshore wind, green hydrogen, and advanced manufacturing.

“But it’s also about our people – ensuring benefits reach communities from Wick to Inverness, and investing in skills, housing, and opportunity.”

The freeport is designed to attract investment by offering businesses located within its boundaries a package of tax benefits and other incentives.

It has three tax sites: Cromarty Firth, which includes Port of Nigg, Port of Cromarty Firth and Highland Deephaven; Ardersier, which includes the Ardersier Energy Transition Facility; and Inverness, which includes Port of Inverness, Aurora Energy Services and Inverness Campus.

As a ‘green’ freeport, ICFGF has pledged governance measures, while landowners have strengthened obligations around fair terms of work and environmental protections.

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