The Highland Council

Inverness and Cromarty Firth Green Freeport is a partnership of public and private sector organisations, including The Highland Council, which aims to ensure the Cromarty Firth and wider region becomes a major global hub for green energy and deliver transformational benefits to Highland communities and the decarbonisation agenda.

On 13 January 2023 it was announced that the consortium was successful in being awarded Green Freeport status by Scottish and UK Governments. When operational, the Green Freeport will offer a package of tax and customs incentives to attract inward investment and stimulate innovation and growth. More information on the Green Freeport announcement and framework can be found on the Scottish Government website (external link).

We have agreed its backing of and commitment to the Green Freeport bid in Highland. On 3 October 2023 we agreed to the submission of the Outline Business Case to both Scottish and UK Governments for approval. Development of the Full Business Case (FBC) and its approval is expected to be complete by Spring 2024 with formal Green Freeport designation following shortly afterwards. To help shape this, the partnership will be undertaking a series of engagement sessions over the weeks and months ahead with communities, businesses and other partners.

The Inverness and Cromarty Firth Green Freeport website (external link) provides the main source of information for anyone wanting to find out more and includes a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) section (external link).

A recording of our first community webinar that was held on Wednesday 22 March 2023 is now available to view below: