All four ALBA Party Highlands and Islands candidates have written an open letter to UK Energy Minister Michael Shanks calling for full backing of the Haventus Ardersier Energy Transition Facility.
The proposed development at the former McDermotts Yard near Ardersier is expected to support around 1,500 jobs and is currently under consideration by the UK Government.
The ALBA candidates say the project could have a generational impact on the Highlands, with up to 30 years of work linked to renewable energy infrastructure and associated industries.
They argue that the scale of the proposal would bring significant economic benefits and help position the Highlands as a global player in the renewable energy sector.
In their letter, the candidates ask the minister to ensure the project is not blocked by his department and to give clear backing to the development.
They have also called for additional financial investment from the UK Government to support the creation of a small new town or the expansion of Ardersier village to accommodate workers linked to the site.
The candidates say such expansion could also ease pressure on housing across the Highland Council area by increasing supply and freeing up homes for those currently on the housing register.
Commenting on the proposal, Allan Duffy said:
“The Haventus proposal has great potential and offers a new lease of life for the former McDermotts Yard, which has lain vacant for too long.
“I look forward to hearing from the Minister and receiving his assurance that the UK Government will support this much needed investment in the Highlands.”
The Haventus site is widely seen as a key strategic location for offshore wind and wider energy transition projects, with supporters arguing that it could anchor long term employment and investment in the region.
Letter to UK Energy Minister Michael Shanks:
Dear Minister Shanks,
Haventus Ardersier Energy Transition Facility, Ardersier, Inverness
We write to you in relation to the above-named development in Ardersier, which is also a part of the Cromarty Firth Freeport.
We would like to get assurances from you that the 1500 proposed jobs will receive the full backing of the UK Government and will not be blocked in anyway by your department.
The jobs proposed will have a generational impact on Inverness and the wider Highlands and Islands, and could ensure job security for the people who will be employed there. We would also encourage Haventus to guarantee jobs for the local community which would be in line with The Scottish Government’s Community Wealth Building (Scotland) Bill, which is currently going forward for Royal Assent.
On a positive note this development will have a large economic impact for the Region, Scotland and the UK. As it is part of the Cromarty Firth Freeport area, there will also be scope to encourage businesses from other countries to invest in the Highlands. This has the potential for the Highlands to be a world leading area in the Renewable Energy Sector.
We would also welcome additional financial investment from the UK Government to assist in the building a small town in the Ardersier area to accommodate the expected influx of workers.
We look forward to your earliest response.
Kind regards
(original signed) (original signed) (original signed)
Angus Brendan MacNeil Laura Hansler Allan Duffy
ALBA Party
Highlands and Islands Regional Candidates
