ICFGF projects win UK Government funding to drive growth and jobs across the Highlands

The funding will support critical early-stage studies at two key Green Freeport sites - the Port of Inverness and a site near Port of Nigg. Both studies aim to remove barriers to development, unlock new opportunities for supply chain firms and accelerate the delivery of investment-ready land and infrastructure.

The Industrial Strategic Zone Accelerator funding is delivered as part of the UK Government’s Modern Industrial Strategy which was announced last year. It is intended to help the country’s network of freeports and investment zones bring forward development faster by supporting enabling work such as land remediation, grid capacity improvements, transport upgrades and planning consent.

Port of Inverness has been awarded almost £150,000 to collect baseline environmental data and to complete an Environmental Impact Assessment screening report. The project will include seabed surveys, acoustic monitoring for marine mammals, coastal modelling and sampling work. This will help to determine future scope for sustainable development and provide in-depth environmental analysis required for planning authorities. 

The second project, Dunskaith Industrial Land, has been awarded £110,000 to support technical, planning and masterplanning work that will determine future opportunities for around 12.41 hectares of industrial land. The site, which is close to Port of Nigg, currently lacks planning consent and key baseline information, limiting its ability to attract development and investment.

The work will help identify site constraints, infrastructure requirements and future development options, creating a clear route to market. The ambition is to unlock flexible serviced land that can support smaller businesses and supply chain firms looking to locate near major energy and industrial activity focused around Nigg.

Both funded projects are expected to get underway in the first quarter of this year. The grants are part of a wider £3.3 million programme of funding awarded to 16 Industrial Strategy Zone projects across the UK.

ICFGF represents a transformative opportunity for the Highlands to become an internationally recognised hub for the offshore wind and renewables industries. The initiative, backed by both UK and Scottish governments, is poised to attract over £3bn of inward investment and deliver more than 10,000 long-term, well-paid jobs over the next 20 years.

Alison Wilson, Investment and Development Manager at ICFGF, said: “This funding is a major step forward for the Highlands. It allows us support two strategically important sites. By accelerating progress now, we are creating the conditions for long-term investment, new business opportunities and quality jobs for local communities.

“The Green Freeport is a vital component of the UK Government’s Industrial Strategy, and this support demonstrates confidence in the role the Highlands can play in delivering the low-carbon industries of the future while strengthening the regional and national economy.”

Sinclair Browne, Chief Executive of Port of Inverness, said: “We are delighted to have been awarded Industrial Strategic Zone Accelerator funding from the UK Government. The funding will help us carry out the detailed environmental studies required for any future development at the Port of Inverness, allowing us to move forward more quickly and take advantage of the huge benefits the Inverness and Cromarty Firth Green Freeport will bring to the Highlands.”

Leader of The Highland Council, Raymond Bremner said: “This announcement is hugely positive for the Highlands. These early‑stage studies may seem technical, but they are fundamental to unlocking long‑term growth. By helping to prepare these strategic sites for future investment, we are creating real opportunities for businesses, strengthening our local supply chain, and paving the way for high‑quality jobs for our communities. The Highlands is ready to play a leading role in Scotland’s and the UK’s energy transition, and this funding is a welcome step forward.”