Two areas of Scotland awarded green freeport status

Bids covering Inverness and the Cromarty Firth and areas around the River Forth were chosen by the UK and Scottish governments.

Areas around Inverness and the River Forth have been awarded green freeport status, under a scheme agreed by the Scottish and UK governments.

The two winning bids were formally announced on Friday (13th) morning as Prime Minister Rishi Sunak visited Scotland.

The status offers special tax incentives and lower tariffs around ports, with the aim of stimulating economic growth.

Five regions in Scotland had bid for freeport status before applications closed last year, with the two winners being selected by both governments.

The new sites have been backed by up to £52 million in UK Government funding and ministers say they will create around 75,000 new, high-skilled jobs.

The Inverness and Cromarty Firth freeport will focus on industries around offshore wind, hydrogen and nuclear, covering sea ports in the region as well as Inverness Airport.

It is expected to create 25,000 jobs and generate up to £4.8 billion in investment for the area.

Adapted from The Evening Standard 14.01.23