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On 13 January 2023, Inverness and Cromarty Firth Green Freeport was selected by the Scottish and UK Governments to become one of Scotland’s first Green Freeports.
The Green Freeport aims to build a world-beating floating offshore wind manufacturing sector, creating thousands of new jobs and attracting £2.6 billion in inward investment. In addition to offshore wind manufacturing, it will focus on green hydrogen and creating a new innovation cluster in life sciences. When operational, the Green Freeport will offer a package of tax and customs incentives to attract inward investment and stimulate innovation and growth.
Green Freeport status will maximise local and Scotland-wide benefits from a pipeline of renewable energy projects, including the huge opportunities from ScotWind, and will place the Highlands at the heart of the drive towards net zero.
The Inverness and Cromarty Firth Green Freeport company is backed by The Highland Council, Port of Cromarty Firth, Global Energy Group, Port of Inverness and HIE, alongside over thirty regional and national businesses, public sector organisations and academic bodies. These partners will work together to maximise the benefits to our region and build future industries from this ‘once in a generation’ opportunity.
Image credit: New Wave Images
Green freeport status for the Cromarty Firth will be a huge asset, driving collaboration between industry, academia and the public sector to stimulate transformational regeneration through economic activity, investment, innovation and skills developmentStuart Black, Chief Executive, Highlands and Islands Enterprise
New and existing businesses who expand or invest further within agreed tax sites may benefit from various tax incentives.
Please consult with an independent accountant or tax specialist for your own particular needs.
Land and Building Transaction Tax (LBTT) relief
Enhanced Capital Allowances (plant, machinery, structures, buildings)
5 years non-domestic rates relief
Employer National Insurance relief
(Paid to the freeport company for skills and innovation fund)
If you’re interested in locating your business to the Highlands and Islands, we’re here to help. We can support you with a full range of services including property, infrastructure, funding and advice.
HIE is working with our Green Freeport partners to turn the proposal into reality – look out for updates here and on the links below.
News: 13 January 2023 - Inverness and Cromarty Firth Green Freeport and Forth Green Freeport have been jointly selected by the Scottish and UK governments to become Scotland’s first Green Freeports.
Scottish GovernmentNews: 13 January 2023 - Joint cooperation to deliver two new Green Freeports in Firth Of Forth and Inverness and Cromarty Firth
UK GovernmentAbout: Find out more about the Inverness and Cromarty Firth Green Free Port on the Opportunity Cromarty Firth website.
Opportunity Cromarty FirthRelated news, blogs and resources.
Get support to locate your business in the Highlands and Islands including advice, funding, property and help to make the right business connections.
Supporting businesses, communities and investors in the Inner Moray Firth.
Stuart Black, HIE Chief Executive, on the prospect of a green freeport in the region.
Audrey MacIver, HIE’s director of energy transition and net zero, looks at the potential for a green freeport in the region
Our region is at the forefront of Europe's energy industry.
Supporting the growth of the Life Sciences sector in our region.
Find out about the Offshore Wind industry across Scotland, including latest information on ScotWind.
Inverness Campus is a world-class business location with pioneering facilities bringing together businesses, researchers, academia and scientists providing the perfect place to collaborate & innovate.
