Highland Council explores links with North Sea nations

The importance of strengthening links between the Highlands and European communities linked by the North Sea has been highlighted during talks.

Delegates from the North Sea Commission were welcomed by Highland Council to share ideas and discuss the challenges and opportunities.

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One opportunity spotlighted was the Inverness and Cromarty Firth Green Freeport which is set to be a key driver for economic growth in the region.

Councillor Ken Gowans, chairman of the council’s economy and infrastructure committee, welcomed the delegates who included Elisbet Babic, president of the commission, and vice president Siv Henriette Jacobsen.

Also present was Councillor Trish Robertson, who is the international president of KIMO, an organisation which works to unite local governments to prevent pollution and protect, preserve, and enhance seas and coastal waters.

Cllr Gowans said: “The meeting provided an opportunity to stress the importance of maintaining and fostering greater connectivity between the Highlands and our European colleagues, particularly as we share mutual interests.” One of the North Sea Commission’s main aims is to strengthen partnerships between regional authorities which face many similar challenges and opportunities, so it is important we share our knowledge and experience.

“One such opportunity now exists in Highland – the Inverness and Cromarty Firth Green Freeport – which is set to be a key driver for economic growth and will benefit everyone in Highland. We will give serious consideration to the options available to us to continue this dialogue with all members of the commission.”

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