A multi-million pound investment is being made in one of
Scotland's most strategically important ports.
Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) will invest up to £24
million at Kishorn Port in the west Highlands to enhance its
capacity and capabilities, with an expanded dry dock and land
reclamation enabling the manufacture of floating offshore wind
foundations.
The expanded facilities are forecast to attract projects with the
potential to support up to 1,500 jobs once the port is fully
developed.
The investment forms part a Scottish Government commitment of up
to £500 million over five years to develop the country's ports
and offshore wind supply chain. The funding will help ensure
businesses and communities secure maximum benefit from the
country's growing renewables capabilities.
As a strategic location for offshore wind components marshalling
and manufacturing, Kishorn Port will play a crucial role in
supporting current offshore wind developments and is well
positioned to capitalise on future opportunities extending beyond
Scotland.
The port houses one of the largest openings of any dry dock
facility in Europe, making it a unique and valuable asset.
Announcing the award ahead of making an investment-focused speech
today at Panmure House in Edinburgh, Deputy First Minister said:
“This is one of the most significant public investments in our
port infrastructure in decades. It is crucial to ensuring Kishorn
Port and the communities it supports can reap the benefits of the
global renewables market.
“It is a clear signal from the Scottish Government and Highlands
and Islands Enterprise that will give investors the confidence to
invest millions more in the area's wider infrastructure, economy
and people.”
HIE chief executive Stuart Black said:
“Offshore wind presents a massive opportunity for the Highlands
and Islands and Kishorn is one of several ports that are at the
heart of this. The facility has provided skilled jobs in a rural
area for many decades and this is likely to grow significantly,
which is vital to community resilience in a priority west coast
location.
“The proposed dry dock expansion and land reclamation will
greatly enhance the port's capacity to support offshore wind and
the contribution it makes to Scotland's economy. I'm delighted
that we've been able to secure this significant additional
funding for the region and look forward to continuing to work
with Kishorn Port Ltd as the project develops.”
Kishorn Port Limited (KPL) Directors Alasdair Ferguson said:
“This is a significant milestone in the continuing development of
Kishorn Port. The port expansion will provide the catalyst for
the support and creation of jobs within Wester Ross and the wider
Highlands, benefiting communities across the area. We're grateful
to Highlands and Islands Enterprise and Scottish Government for
their support.
“With the quarry on site, Kishorn Port is ideally suited to
concrete manufacturing of floating offshore wind sub-structures,
with local content, laydown, marshalling, and long-term
integration and assembly possible at the port as part of the
wider project in the long-term.”
Background
Other investments made as part of the Scottish Government's
commitment of up to £500 million include:
Notes to editors
Total investment in the project including private investment is
£42.2 million. It will support 84 jobs for up to 18 months during
its construction phase. The principal contractor for
construction is Highland-based company R J MacLeod.
Strong expressions of interest to utilise the enlarged dry dock
for offshore floating wind and decommissioning projects
have already been received by the port.
