Planned green hub in the Highlands would 'lay the foundations for a more sustainable and brighter future'

HIGHLAND Council has set out its plans to create a green hub which would "lay the foundations for a more sustainable and brighter future for everyone."

The proposal has been launched ahead of the Highland Climate Change Conference this week and the United Nations Climate Change Conference COP26 in Glasgow next month which will focus on the ecological emergency facing the world.

Council leader, Margaret Davidson, said there was cross chamber support for a Future Highlands Strategy, with the development of a Green Energy Hub at its heart. A report to the council next week will set out more detailed plans on the Highland hub.

Mrs Davidson said: "This ambitious plan will involve working collaboratively with key partners to put the Highlands at the forefront of addressing climate change and sustainable energy requirements in Scotland, deriving value from our waste, attracting green businesses, green fleet and affordable energy efficient homes. We will also be giving our full support to the development of a Greenport in Highland.

She explained that the Opportunity Cromarty Firth Consortium is keen to bid for Greenport or Freeport status which would have significant benefits for the the Highlands.

"Such status would provide a package of measures to stimulate further economic activity and investment and make the area more competitive. A coordinated and innovative approach between all public and private sectors will maximise the benefits, including the regeneration and sustainability of communities," said Mrs Davidson.

The council wants to promote a range of projects which capitalises on the area’s natural assets and unique position to support multi-billion pound offshore wind projects, while also securing an economic and social legacy for the area.

Deputy leader, Alasdair Christie, said: "Achieving the vision of a Green Hub for Scotland in Highland will bring enormous opportunities to our population. One of our biggest challenges is depopulation and young people moving away from the Highlands. We need to provide clear opportunities and affordable, quality housing is essential to encourage inward migration and tackle recruitment and retention.

"Fuel poverty is another enormous problem for our communities. By developing a Green Hub for renewable energy, we can lay the foundations for a more sustainable and brighter future for everyone."

The Highland Climate Change Conference got underway yesterday (Thursday) and finishes today.

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