Forbes confirms £24m boost for port to support renewables growth

A cash boost of up to £24m has been hailed by the deputy first minister as “one of the most significant public investments in our port infrastructure in decades”.

Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) is providing the funding to Kishorn Port, near Strathcarron in the west Highlands, to develop its capacity.

The cash will help create an expanded dry dock area at the port – a move which Kate Forbes said could be “crucial” in helping it attract work manufacturing foundations for floating offshore wind developments.

It is hoped the expanded facilities will help Kishorn Port win projects with the potential to support as many as 1,500 jobs, once the site is fully developed.

The investment forms part of up to £500m the Scottish Government has pledged to spend over the next five years to develop both the country’s ports and the offshore wind supply chain.

Speaking about the funding ahead of speech in Edinburgh on Wednesday focused on investment, Ms Forbes 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.”

She added the cash 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 described the development of offshore wind as being a “massive opportunity for the Highlands and islands”, as he added that “Kishorn is one of several ports that are at the heart of this”.

Mr Black said: “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 director Alasdair Ferguson said it is a “significant milestone in the continuing development of Kishorn Port”.

Mr Ferguson said: “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.”