Calum MacPherson to step down as CEO of Inverness & Cromarty Firth Green Freeport
April 30, 2026
Inverness and Cromarty Firth Green Freeport (ICFGF) today (Thursday 30th April 2026) announces that Calum MacPherson will step down from his role as chief executive officer. He has been with the organisation for the past three years, guiding the Green Freeport through its critical set-up and leading it into its delivery phase.
During his tenure, Mr MacPherson has built a strong team to enable delivery of the Green Freeport’s objectives in investment, job creation, skills development and social inclusion, and has played a pivotal role in the initiative’s early progress and impact. He will leave the organisation in June.
Jim Smith, Chairman of ICFGF, said: “Over the last three years we have worked with partners across the region, as well as the Scottish and UK governments, to secure and establish Inverness and Cromarty Firth Green Freeport.
“Our initiative has already made a significant impact, helping to position the region as a world-class hub for offshore renewables. Following the approval of our Full Business Case in the autumn of last year, we have now moved firmly into the delivery phase focused on bringing more long-term, well-paid jobs and investment to the Highlands.
“Calum has played an instrumental role in the journey so far and in the success the Green Freeport has achieved to date. We are sorry to see him leave the organisation, but we respect his decision to seek a new career challenge. He departs with the Board’s sincere thanks and very best wishes for the future.”
ICFGF was selected by the UK and Scottish governments to become one of two Scottish green freeports in 2023. It offers tax and customs incentives to attract investment – such as the £350 million investment by Sumitomo Electric UK in a subsea cable at Maraen Port of Nigg – that will establish the Highlands as a European hub for the development of offshore renewable energy. Over the next 20 years, ICFGF aims to attract £6.6 billion in investment, and support 11,300 jobs.
Mr MacPherson said: “As we move into the implementation phase of the Green Freeport, the time is right to pass the baton on to a new leader who, with the backing of the highly experienced Board and team at ICFGF, will build on the success to date. I would like to thank my Board, colleagues and stakeholders for all the support over the last few years.”
Mr MacPherson, who will continue to be based in the Highlands, is leaving his role to pursue a new opportunity in the property and construction sector, returning to an industry in which he has extensive experience.
The search for his successor is underway, and in the interim ICFGF will be led by Alison Wilson, who currently holds the post of Investment and Development Manager. She is an experienced economic development leader driving investment, partnerships and sustainable regional growth.
