PLANS to introduce a freeport in the Highlands have been slammed as a way of handing public money to big business.
The UK Government plans to build a freeport – a port which is allowed to import goods tax-free – in Inverness and the Cromarty Firth.
Independent economic experts have said giving the area freeport status could boost the local economy and spark a jobs boom, in a report published today.
But the Scottish Greens – who are opposed to the plans unlike their SNP coalition partners in Holyrood – have claimed there is little evidence the ports are linked to economic growth.
Ariane Burgess, Greens MSP for the Highlands and Islands, told The National: “Freeports are simply a way of handing tax breaks and public money to rich companies, and there is little evidence that they will create any economic prosperity.”
A report by Biggar Economics said the bid for freeport status put forward by Opportunity Cromarty Firth could add a further 20,000 jobs to those already expected in the construction of a windfarm in the area.
Freeports are special economic zones where customs rules such as taxes do not apply until goods leave the area.
Opportunity Cromarty Firth – a consortium of Highland business leaders – has launched a bid in the latest freeport competition.
Inverness and the Cromarty Firth is the only location in Scotland which can deliver the ambitions set out in the UK Government’s energy security strategy, the body has argued, including a pledge to increase offshore wind capacity five times over.
The port facilities at Invergordon and Nigg on the Cromarty Firth have already supported more offshore wind projects than any other Scottish ports.
Bob Buskie, chief executive of the Port of Cromarty Firth, said: “This report shows how the Highland economy will be transformed if Cromarty Firth gains Green Freeport status.
“It will also help the Firth level up and tackle a number of areas of deprivation, as well as enabling the UK to meet the local content targets set in the Offshore Wind and North Sea Transition Sector Deals.
Falck Renewables, BlueFloat Energy and Orsted UK, in a joint statement, said: “Many independent and industry reports into creating a successful offshore wind industry in Scotland point to the Cromarty Firth as providing the unique blend of attributes required.
“That is why we are calling on the UK and Scottish Governments to choose the Cromarty firth as one of the locations for Green Freeport status."
While the English sites have been announced the two freeports planned for Scotland are yet to be revealedd.
It is not known exactly which sites are in the running in Scotland but in the running are though to be Dundee, Rosyth, Aberdeen and Stranraer among others.
