Scrabster plan is ‘vote of confidence’
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SCRABSTER has been included in a new Scottish Government initiative to boost investment and create jobs – a move which was yesterday described as “tremendous news”.
William Calder, the chairman of Scrabster Harbour Trust, is delighted that the port is in the Renewable Energy Enterprise North Area, which also comprises Lyness and Hatston in Orkney, Nigg in Easter Ross and Arnish in the Western Isles – one of four new enterprise areas announced yesterday.
“This is a vote of confidence in what we are doing at Scrabster and is tremendous news. It provides an incentive for companies that are looking to invest in the area and could also benefit local firms as well,” said Mr Calder.
“It fits in well with the long-term strategy for the port and recognises the Scottish Government’s strategic investment which has already gone into Scrabster.
“It is a real confidence boost for the port and we look forward to working with our colleagues in Highlands and Islands Enterprise to develop this further.”
There are four enterprise areas comprising 14 sites and covering life sciences, low carbon and renewables, and manufacturing.
Trudy Morris, the chief executive of the Caithness Chamber of Commerce, also welcomed the news.
“With Scrabster harbour’s £20 million redevelopment it is only right that it should be recognised as a strategic location within the renewable energy sector,” she stated.
“We look forward to seeing the detail and working with Scottish Chambers of Commerce to ensure that business is a key partner and any incentives support sustainable growth, help to create jobs and maximise opportunities.”
Ms Morris and Mr Calder made their comments after finance secretary John Swinney revealed the 14 sites that make up the four enterprise areas.
He said the initiative has the potential to create new employment opportunities, stimulate private investment and boost economic growth.
“As a Government we are doing all we can to support jobs and create the best possible business conditions to achieve sustainable economic growth for Scotland. Enterprise areas are another means to help us achieve this.
“We have worked closely with our enterprise agencies to select sites which can exploit opportunities in growth sectors and in many cases these will help create jobs in areas of Scotland that are facing challenging economic conditions.”
Mr Swinney said the incentives available will depend on the characteristics of each site and may include reduced business rates.
“We have agreed a planning protocol with COSLA [Convention of Scottish Local Authorities] which will encourage developers, local authorities, Scottish Government and agencies to work together in a streamlined planning process.
“In addition, we will consider opportunities presented by the emerging National Broadband Strategy to help make enterprise areas as attractive as possible to investors, while Scottish Development International will provide inward investment assistance.
“The aim is to have Scotland’s enterprise areas operational from April. Scottish Enterprise and HIE will work closely with the relevant local authorities, as well as with the business community, to maximise the economic value derived from each.”
Carroll Buxton, the director of regional development at HIE, said the area will stimulate and encourage early investment and development.
“Enterprise areas are about making things happen faster,” she explained.
“In the Highlands and Islands the initiative is targeting growth sectors, particularly renewable energy and life sciences, where there is considerable potential to create new jobs and economic growth across the region.”
