Mission Possible: Why now is the moment for Scotland's offshore wind future

When we first presented our business case for Inverness and Cromarty Firth Green Freeport, we spoke of aspirations, hoping to attract £3.5 billion of investment over the next decade as part of our ambitious 25-year vision. Today, as I prepare for the Global Offshore Wind Conference in London this June, I can say with confidence that our mission is no longer about ambition, it's about action.

We're already approaching £1 billion of that target investment, and we're still at the starting line. This is no longer hypothetical. It's hundreds of millions of pounds landing on the ground, hundreds of people working in this industry, and construction contractors across the Highlands busier than they've been in years.

With the offshore wind industry standing at a critical juncture, timing matters more than ever. Right now, investors are making billion-pound decisions about where to deploy their capital. Will they choose Scotland and the UK? Or will they look to Finland, Norway, Denmark, Germany – or even further afield to the Middle East and Far East?

These decisions are being made now. Not next year, not in five years – now.

That's why events like RenewableUK Global Offshore Wind matter so much. We have world-class capabilities here in the north of Scotland, but unless we tell that story, unless we demonstrate what we can deliver, those crucial investment decisions will be made elsewhere.

We already have what others are still building. Unlike many European locations, we have two very large ports that are fully operational with proven track records in offshore wind deployment. We will have a third major site ready within six months, and we have the added advantage of 50 years of energy experience. 

More importantly, we're not just another port location – we're the biggest cluster of deep water, heavy maritime capability in Europe. These are very large sites with genuine super-engineering capabilities.

What we offer isn't just infrastructure, though. When you make an investment decision to come to the Highlands, you get a complete package: support from our local authority partners, established supply chain networks, and – perhaps most importantly – a region that genuinely wants this investment to succeed.

That's why we've been leading the way in attracting major investment. Sumitomo's £350m cable factory at Port of Nigg was one of the first major projects to land here. Haventus’ Ardersier Energy Transition Facility secured £100m in joint credit facilities. The Port of Cromarty Firth is expanding with £50m of support. And the historic Port of Inverness has already handled more than 300 wind turbines over the past decade, with its unrivalled deep-water harbours ready to support for the next wave of renewable infrastructure. 

And that’s just part of the offer. Highland Deephaven provides strategically located, pre-approved industrial land – ideal for manufacturers, researchers and operators looking to scale. At Inverness Campus, companies are thriving through collaboration, co-innovation and shared ambition for the UK’s green industrial future. 

At Global Offshore Wind, we're not just talking to developers, though they're crucial. We want to speak with the entire supply chain, from construction businesses to engineering designers, environmental consultants to cable suppliers. This industry will involve hundreds, if not thousands, of businesses of all shapes and sizes.

The scale of opportunity is beginning to dawn on people. Our proximity to ScotWind lease sites, our operational readiness, our proven track record – these aren't future promises, they're current realities that can accelerate deployment and reduce risk for investors.

In five to 10 years' time, I want those considering investment in the Highlands to see a region that speaks for itself. It’s where the scale of capability cannot be overlooked, and where the strength of local support, cooperation and encouragement makes investment not only viable, but compelling. 

The mission is no longer just possible – it's happening. The next step is deciding how we can make the most of the opportunities ahead. 

If you're attending Global Offshore Wind on June 17-18 in London, please visit us at Stand A40. Whether you're a developer, part of the supply chain, or interested in complementary technologies like green hydrogen, we'd love to show you what's possible when ambition meets action.