How the Inverness and Cromarty Firth Green Freeport is transforming the Highlands and beyond

Over the past year, the Inverness and Cromarty Firth Green Freeport has moved with real energy and momentum, positioning the Highlands as a leader in the green energy transition. What started as an ambition is now becoming a reality, with substantial investments and projects already taking shape across the region.

A year of significant investment

In 2024 we’ve had major announcements on inward investment across the green freeport area. This includes the £350m investment in Sumitomo Electric UK Power Cables Ltd to create a manufacturing facility at Port of Nigg; the £100m joint credit facility secured from the Scottish National Investment Bank and UK Infrastructure Bank by Ardersier Port owners Haventus to support industrial-scale deployment of offshore wind; and the £50M allocated for Port of Cromarty Firth’s expansion plans under the UK Government’s Floating Offshore Wind Manufacturing Investment Scheme.

These are just a few examples of how the green freeport is enabling the scaling up of renewable energy projects, establishing the north of Scotland as a key player in the global supply chain. But there’s more – so much more – to come.

Turning potential into progress

When I first became involved with the Inverness and Cromarty Firth Green Freeport, I often spoke about the potential the Highlands has to offer. But as we look back over the last year, it’s clear that the green freeport is no longer just a concept – it’s actively shaping the future of the region.

A major factor in this progress has been the confirmation of Special Tax Sites. It means businesses located across 520 hectares of land can now benefit from significant tax incentives, including relief from Employer’s National Insurance Contributions and exemption from non-domestic business rates.

Alongside investment, we’ve focused on building the workforce of the future. This year, over 600 pupils from across the Highlands attended a career fair at Alness Academy, where they met businesses located in the green freeport area. It’s promising to see so many young people eager to explore careers in the green energy sector, and with more projects underway, these opportunities will only continue to grow.

Calum MacPherson, Chief Executive Officer of Inverness & Cromarty Firth Green Freeport

More growth, more opportunities

With the eyes of the global renewables industry fixed firmly on our shores, I’m confident there will be more announcements of significant inward investment to come.

With that, we’re going to see an increase in the number of opportunities for the supply chain – everyone from local electricians and joiners to hospitality providers – and firms will need to start scaling up. This will lead to a spike in recruitment and opportunities for apprentices and trainees.

What we need to be mindful of, however, is that growth and opportunities will not be without their challenges. As the green freeport continues to create jobs and attract investment, there will be an increased demand for housing, services and infrastructure.

But the Highlands has always been known for their strong sense of partnership, and this collaborative spirit will be key to navigating these challenges. It’s going to take a lot of work but everyone I speak to across the north of Scotland – and beyond – understands what’s at stake. There’s a real determination to make it happen.

Building a lasting legacy

Looking to the future, the word legacy comes to mind. What we’re building now is about more than just today’s investments. It’s about creating long-term opportunities that will benefit future generations in the Highlands and beyond. With £6.5 billion of investment and the creation of 18,300 jobs projected over the next 25 years, the impact of the green freeport will be felt for generations.

The journey ahead is exciting, and while there’s much work to be done, Inverness and Cromarty Firth Green Freeport is already making a significant impact – and the best is yet to come.