Minster hails “coherence and ambition” of Inverness and Cromarty Firth Green Freeport

The UK Government’s Levelling Up Secretary, the Rt Hon Michael Gove MP, has hailed the potential of the new Inverness and Cromarty Firth Green Freeport (ICFGF) during a visit to the Port of Nigg.

The Secretary of State said he was “incredibly impressed” by the way partners, which include organisations from the private and public sectors and academia, were working together to establish the Green Freeport.

During his visit, Mr Gove, who was accompanied by Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross MP, Jamie Stone, met a number of ICFGF representatives, including Green Freeport Chief Executive Calum MacPherson, Roy MacGregor, Chief Executive of Port of Nigg owner the Global Energy Group, and Highland Council leader, Raymond Bremner.

Mr Gove said: “There is a sense of coherence and ambition that is particularly impressive.

“Manufacturing has to be part of the Highlands’ future.”

The Secretary of State added that the Green Freeport would create new jobs, attract investment and lead to high quality opportunities for young people in the area.