What is the Inverness and Cromarty Firth Green Freeport and how will it benefit me?
The Inverness and Cromarty Firth Green Freeport team.
Sponsored content If you are in the world of business, or indeed just from the north of Scotland, you will hopefully have heard of the Inverness and Cromarty Firth Green Freeport (ICFGF)[1] by now. Its mission is to transform the Highlands into a hub for Europe's green energy revolution, capitalising on the region's capabilities to support the development and deployment of offshore wind.
It was selected as one of only two Scottish green freeports by the UK and Scottish governments in 2022 after submitting a compelling bid. But the big questions for many people are: how will it benefit me? How will it add value to my business?
How will it transform the Highlands? Will it help my children and grandchildren? Executive Magazine[2] caught up with ICFGF's chief executive Calum MacPherson and investment and development manager Alison Wilson to get answers to the questions on many people's minds.
But first, it is important to understand exactly what the Inverness and Cromarty Firth Green Freeport is.
How does it operate? ICFGF is a not-for-profit, independent company limited by guarantee (CLG) which has a board made up of a mixture of public, private and academic partners. After being chosen as one of the successful bids, ICFGF was required to submit a full business case.
This was was approved by the UK and Scottish governments in June 2025, which led to ?25 million in seed funding being awarded to support infrastructure projects at local ports.
The next, and final, part of the administrative process will be for ICFGF to sign a memorandum of understanding with the Scottish Government, UK Government and Highland Council, which acts as the local accountable body. This is scheduled to happen later in 2025. Calum said: "The green freeport came about after 28 organisations came together.
The main partners are the port businesses, and some are landowners like Highland Council and Highlands and Islands Enterprise. "We don't own the land, run the ports or control what gets built. Our job is to lead on the big picture and to help make things happen by bringing the right people, plans and investment together."
Calum MacPherson and Alison Wilson. Picture: Callum Mackay.
ICFGF itself has just five employees, who are keen to work with anyone interested in being involved with the green freeport.
Alison said: "We're a small team, all from the local area and are driven to see this succeed. We're keen to engage with businesses and communities that want to participate and learn what ICFGF can do for them." What is a Green Freeport?
Green freeports are defined areas where business can be carried out inside a country's land border, but where some of the usual normal tax and customs rules are exempt or streamlined. They have boundaries agreed with both the UK and Scottish governments. Green freeports contain two types of sites where special rules apply, which can overlap.
These are called tax sites and customs sites. Companies that choose to expand or locate themselves in these areas can benefit from specific exemptions provided they satisfy well defined criteria, including the creation of long-term jobs with fair pay and working conditions.
Within ICFGF there are three tax sites, which were given formal status in 2024: o Cromarty Firth (land in and around Port of Nigg, Port of Cromarty Firth and Highland Deephaven)
o Inverness (Port of Inverness, Aurora Energy Services, Inverness Campus and some of the Highland Council Common Good land near the Longman) o Ardersier (Ardersier Energy Transition Facility)
Port of Nigg is a designated customs site, having achieved this status in 2025. Other customs sites may be added in due course.
The aim is to stimulate investment and drive job creation through a comprehensive package of support, including grants, tax incentives and streamlined regulations. These encourage businesses to locate to the area and make it easier for existing businesses within the boundary to invest and grow. Local supply chain businesses of all sizes are benefitting from the opportunities presented by the companies that decide to set up in the region or the work being undertaken to develop port facilities.
These are companies involved in engineering or manufacturing, along with construction, consultancy work, design, accommodation providers and others.
The ports and landholders are ideally located to serve as supporting hubs for Scotland's ScotWind projects, and other strategically important developments. The ports offer significant quayside space and heavy lift capacity, and are geared up to provide fabrication, marshalling, assembly and transportation facilities. What will it mean for workers?
Employees are classed as working within a freeport tax site if they spend at least 60 per cent of their working hours within that tax site.
Workers in ICFGF are covered by the same UK employment law as any other employee, however a Fair Work Charter signed as part of the tax site agreements provides workers with more protection than those working outside its boundaries. Employers who do not yet meet the requirements of the charter must demonstrate what measures they intend to take to meet them within a defined timeframe. Calum said: "Businesses and landholders operating in the tax sites have committed to upholding certain additional standards on fair work and environmental considerations.
Everyone is committed to creating long-term, well-paid jobs for the area. "We have in place legal obligations to enforce those aspirations, and businesses can have their tax advantages withheld if they don't follow these measures."
Local supply chain The scale and ambition of ICFGF's projects represent unparalleled opportunity for local businesses.
Not only will major manufacturing and energy companies establish a presence, but there is already growing demand for regional service providers across sectors like engineering, recruitment, legal, training and hospitality. Over 150 local businesses are already involved with new developments at Ardersier and Sumitomo alone. The other ports and locations already have long established local supply chains that will only grow in the coming years.
Alison said: "We're working to make sure that local businesses are ready to tender and win work. "There's a perception that the green freeport only benefits big multinationals, but we're actively demonstrating that Highland SMEs have a central role to play. "The offshore renewables sector is an incredibly competitive market internationally, particularly near neighbours in northern Europe.
But we have an incredibly strong offer here, and if we are going to attract the opportunities and long-term jobs, we need to be bold and positive in our messaging.
Calum MacPherson.
Picture: Callum Mackay.
Calum added: "This is a multi-generational opportunity. It will require thousands of people, with a broad range of skills and services. The key is making sure that Highland businesses have the tools, networks and access to benefit from these opportunities when they arise.
"There is going to be a range of roles needed, including civil engineers, steel fabrication, contractors, printers, tax firms, sign designers, hospitality, IT and lawyers. The list of opportunities is considerable. "However, what we want to emphasise is that not all these jobs will be in the short-term.
It is incredible that we already have so many local businesses working to develop the green freeport sites sites and it shows that the opportunity is there. "There are going to be 11,300 jobs created over the next 20 years. But we need to make sure that we have the right infrastructure in place.
"We need adequate housing, transport and services for the people who live and work here already and those coming in the future. "At the moment we are just at the start of the journey." Large companies coming into the region and investing are looking for Highland businesses to partner with and show them the way forward.
Alison said: "When you start to hear the early stories of 150-plus local companies already involved, it gives us the evidence that the investors coming in are genuinely committed to working locally. "These are major inward investments - they're here for the long-term and they're looking to local businesses to help them understand the landscape and build strong roots here." Due to the enduring nature of the green energy transition there are going to be opportunities for generations to come.
Alison Wilson.
It is hoped that the green freeport will help buck the trend of a dwindling young population in the north of Scotland.
ICFGF has been making itself visible at careers fairs and local schools to showcase the jobs that are coming. Alison said: "We have the opportunity to change the demographic profile that has been an issue within the Highlands for generations." Calum added: "We need to create an economy where young people and those of working age don't need to leave the Highlands.
There is an opportunity to stay and work. "One of the things the green freeport hopes to do is work with Highland Council to improve infrastructure for our communities, from housing to transport links. "Social isolation and an inability to travel for work is a real challenge across the north of Scotland, and through some of our funding mechanisms we hope to contribute to strengthening social infrastructure in the area."
Who is already involved and how did they do it? Helica Nairn-based Helica is acting as engineering contracts supervisor for the construction of Sumitomo' new 57,500-square metre facility.
Helica is responsible for quality control, including on-site quality monitoring, compliance oversight and early issue flagging to help keep the development on track. "The size and scale of this project represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity for the Highlands, and we're excited to be part of that story," said Ewan MacGregor, managing director of Helica. "Getting in front of companies like Sumitomo doesn't happen by accident - you've got to put yourself out there, build relationships and be ready when the opportunity comes."
While their technical expertise was key to securing the contract, it was Helica's unique site-based approach that truly set them apart. Instead of operating from a fixed office, the team works directly from the Port of Nigg location. "Being embedded on site gives us significantly more control and visibility day to day," Ewan explained.
"It means we can respond immediately to challenges, maintain constant communication and stay connected to what's happening on the ground." Ewan's advice to other businesses looking to capitalise on emerging opportunities is straightforward: "Stay visible.
Build your network. Be ready to demonstrate your capability. The opportunities are definitely there, especially for those who are prepared to deliver at the highest level."
KLM Partnership KLM Partnership (KLMP), a local quantity surveying and cost consultancy, is working alongside Sumitomo on its new power cable factory. It was selected for its trusted expertise and strong regional presence to oversee cost management on the major infrastructure project.
"There's a real sense of pride in being part of something this impactful," said William Hamilton, partner at KLMP. Supporting a development of this scale for a client like Sumitomo is a huge opportunity, and it reflects the wider growth building around the green freeport." KLMP's proximity to the site and the way the team presented themselves during the selection process played a key role in securing the contract.
Their ability to respond quickly, combined with a clear understanding of the area's operating environment, offered a level of agility and trust that's harder to replicate from outside the region. The appointment is a clear sign that local expertise is being recognised and trusted to help deliver projects that will shape the region's future. "For a local firm to secure a role like this - and to work alongside national and international teams - sends a strong signal," added William.
"It's a reminder that the talent is here, and with the right support, local businesses can play a leading role."
Inverness and Cromarty Firth Green Freeport (ICFGF) has achieved another development milestone with the awarding of customs site status to Port of Nigg.
The Ord Group Family-owned commercial supplies specialist The Ord Group is supporting the new Sumitomo factory through its principal contractor, Europlan Engineering UK Ltd. The team is supplying essential containers, welfare units and plant equipment to the project, backed by a strong product portfolio and a commitment to responsive service.
The partnership is a clear example of how family-run businesses can meet - and exceed - the expectations of global corporations. "Our word is our agreement," said business development manager Julie Henderson. "Our family business values match well with the Japanese business culture, which also values long-term relationships and loyalty.
When we commit to something, we deliver - and both cultures respect that." That mindset helped secure the contract. When Sumitomo required custom-designed cabins, The Ord Group invested in new stock to meet the specification, demonstrating the agility and dedication that local suppliers can offer.
The company has highlighted the broader value Highland businesses bring, not just in proximity, but in services rooted in trust, adaptability and long-term thinking. These qualities are proving just as crucial as technical capabilities. "We've always heard major companies say they want to keep it local, but it often doesn't happen," added Julie.
"With Sumitomo, they've genuinely delivered on that commitment. We've worked very flexibly to meet their needs, and they've recognised the value of having a responsive local partner." For family-owned businesses across the Highlands, this is a strong signal: the traditional values that have sustained them for generations - reliability, personal service and keeping your word - are exactly what global partners arriving in the green freeport are looking for.
These examples demonstrate that the region is already benefitting from energy transition and the part the Highlands will play. If you want to learn more, visit the Inverness & Cromarty Firth Green Freeport website - www.greenfreeport.scot[3] or get in touch with the team at [email protected]. The team will be more than happy to help you and your business grasp the opportunities that await.
Do you want to respond to this article?
If so, click here[4] to submit your thoughts and they may be published in print.
References
- ^ Inverness and Cromarty Firth Green Freeport (ICFGF) (www.inverness-courier.co.uk)
- ^ Executive Magazine (edition.pagesuite-professional.co.uk)
- ^ www.greenfreeport.scot (www.inverness-courier.co.uk)
- ^ here (www.inverness-courier.co.uk)