Watch: Demystifying the questions arising around the Inverness and Cromarty Firth Green Freeport
The Inverness and Cromarty Firth Green Freeport is set to be a multi-generational game changer, bringing thousands of jobs and huge opportunities.
That is the view of the freeport’s chief executive Calum MacPherson who chats to Ian Forsyth of DP Digital Media in an exclusive film made for Highland News & Media,
Jobs forecast for Highland green freeport appears to have dropped
What is a green free port and what will it mean for the Highlands
Legislation was recently completed establishing the tax sites for the creation of the green freeport which is expected to attract global companies to invest in the area due to a number of tax benefits and other incentives which are now available.
In the interview, Mr MacPherson talks about why the freeport is a big deal for the Highlands as well as the challenges and the opportunities.
Up to 5000 jobs are set to be created in the next five years but ultimately it is anticipated it will rise to 10,000 - a figure which Mr MacPherson says is robust and well researched.
“We are talking over the next 10 to 20 years,” he says.
“We are not saying 10,000 will be coming tomorrow.
“We believe it will be hundreds and hundreds coming soon and they are already starting to happen.”
He also talks about the types of job opportunities and stresses that it is about long-term fair-paid work.
Mr MacPherson says the project is a big deal in the delivery of the offshore wind programme.
“We have an opportunity if we get this right to become a European hub for offshore wind and this will set up the Highlands as an area which has a long-term industry.”
He says it will help to maintain the population, get better wages and improve the prospects of the area.
“It’s a multi-generational game changer,” he says.
Citing the construction of hydro schemes, he says populations came, the construction work was done and then large numbers left while the fabrication yards at Nigg and Ardersier did not leave a long legacy.
He concedes there will be “bumps in the road” ahead but maintains there will not be the energy or industrial boom and bust times of the past.
During the interview, issues such as the impact of the freeport on the region’s housing and healthcare are also discussed.
