POLITICS: Reaction to green freeport status for the Highland's ranges from “ecstatic” and “transformational” to “Tory gimmick”
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Political reaction to the awarding of green freeport status to Inverness and the Cromarty Firth has ranged from welcome news to claims it will only benefit the wealthy.
Figures from across the political spectrum have been giving their opinion following the Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's visit to the Highlands.
Highlands and Islands MSP, Edward Mountain and leader of the Highland Conservative group, cllr Helen Crawford have both welcomed the announcement as a major and long-term economic boost for the region.
Opportunity Cromarty Firth is receiving green freeport status along with Forth ports, which takes in Rosyth, Leith, Burntisland, Grangemouth and Edinburgh Airport.
Following the official announcement, Mr Mountain said: “I’m delighted that Opportunity Cromarty Firth have been successful in their bid. I was more than happy to support them and champion their cause with the Scottish and UK Governments.
“I believe the creation of a free trade zone in the Cromarty Firth will be truly transformational. It will enable the Highlands to attract more investment and create high-skilled local jobs. This port of opportunities is exactly what we need during these challenging times.
“Now we need to ensure that this new green freeport delivers all the benefits that it offers to the Highlands and I will do all I can to help this happen. Well done to all those who supported this bid.”
Cllr Helen Crawford, leader of the Highland Conservative group, said: “This is exciting news from the UK and Scottish Governments because it could herald the single biggest economic development in Highland since the oil and gas boom. I grew up in Easter Ross and saw what a huge benefit that brought to our community. I also saw and experienced the subsequent decline as the boom died out.
“We Highlanders have experienced that boom and bust cycle and this time round we need absolutely to harness enduring benefit for our communities.
“So this is a welcome opportunity to focus on quality, permanent jobs based right here in Highland and the cascading positive impact that will have on our retail, hospitality and service sectors.”
Meanwhile the leader of Highland Council Raymond Bremner has welcomed the announcement that Cromarty Firth has been chosen as one of the UK’s new green freeports.
He said: “This is fantastic news which heralds a very bright future for the Highlands.
"We are well positioned, primed and ready to play a key role in delivering the UK’s Energy Security Strategy and become a global centre of renewable energy.
“The freeport status and ensuing developments have real potential to reverse the long standing socio-economic issues facing the region.
"This incredible opportunity will assist us in addressing the local and national transition to net zero, help to create sustainable high-quality jobs in a green economy, while regenerating and strengthening communities and reversing depopulation.”
Mr Bremner praised the work and collaboration of the consortium partners in preparing and promoting the bid.
He said: “The partnership work which has led to this success is a credit to all involved – their dedication and commitment over many many months has now paid off . This will be a complete game-changer for Highland, and for Scotland in delivering energy security for the UK.”
Highlands MSP for Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross Maree Todd has said she is overjoyed at Inverness and Cromarty Firth getting green freeport status.
She said: "I am ecstatic to hear that Opportunity Cromarty Firth has been successful in their bid for green freeport status. There is no underestimating how transformative this opportunity will be not only for my constituency, but for the whole of the Highlands.
“A green freeport is going to bring tens of thousands of high-quality jobs to the area, which will help turn the tide against depopulation and support us in building thriving communities with healthy local economies. This opportunity also presents the Highlands with the chance to lead the way in the fight against climate change.
“Throughout this process, I have been thoroughly impressed by the phenomenal levels of collaboration across the industry and the consortium’s commitment to ensuring that the benefits are felt Highland-wide, which clearly contributed to a successful outcome. I hope that OCF’s achievement will go on to inspire future joint-working.
“It has been a pleasure to support this project from the beginning and work alongside such talented and passionate folk – a huge well done to everyone involved. I look forward to seeing the prosperity this opportunity brings.”
But Greens MSP Ariane Burgess Highlands and Islands MSP called it a "failed and dated Tory gimmick".
She said: "The Scottish Greens have been clear that freeports, as proposed by the SNP and Tories, do not offer the long-term, sustainable investment Scotland's rural communities need. Instead, the venture gives tax breaks and public money to private companies and promotes a race to the bottom on pay and conditions for workers.
“I'm disappointed that the Highlands - an area that has built up a strong track record for thriving social enterprise and innovative rural businesses generating money for the local economy - is going to see much-needed economic development funding going instead to enrich wealthy shareholders and benefit tax havens instead of local communities."
