Two key sites within the Inverness and Cromarty Firth Green Freeport have secured UK Government funding to accelerate development and unlock jobs across the Highlands, it was announced on 27 February 2026.
The awards, made through the Industrial Strategic Zone Accelerator, will support early stage work at the Port of Inverness and at Dunskaith Industrial Land near the Port of Nigg.
The aim is straightforward.
Clear the technical and planning hurdles that slow investment and get land ready for businesses that want to build, hire and grow.
At the Port of Inverness, almost £150,000 will fund baseline environmental studies and an Environmental Impact Assessment screening report.
That includes seabed surveys, acoustic monitoring for marine mammals, coastal modelling and sampling work to help shape sustainable future development.
At Dunskaith, £110,000 will support planning and masterplanning work across around 12.41 hectares of industrial land that currently lacks planning consent and key site data.
The ambition is to create flexible serviced land that can support supply chain firms looking to locate close to the major energy activity centred around Nigg.
Alison Wilson, Investment and Development Manager at Inverness and Cromarty Firth Green Freeport, said:
“This funding is a major step forward for the Highlands.
“It allows us support two strategically important sites.
“By accelerating progress now, we are creating the conditions for long-term investment, new business opportunities and quality jobs for local communities.
“The Green Freeport is a vital component of the UK Government’s Industrial Strategy, and this support demonstrates confidence in the role the Highlands can play in delivering the low-carbon industries of the future while strengthening the regional and national economy.”
Sinclair Browne, Chief Executive of Port of Inverness, said:
“We are delighted to have been awarded Industrial Strategic Zone Accelerator funding from the UK Government.
“The funding will help us carry out the detailed environmental studies required for any future development at the Port of Inverness, allowing us to move forward more quickly and take advantage of the huge benefits the Inverness and Cromarty Firth Green Freeport will bring to the Highlands.”
Highland Council leader Raymond Bremner said:
“This announcement is hugely positive for the Highlands.
“These early-stage studies may seem technical, but they are fundamental to unlocking long-term growth.
“By helping to prepare these strategic sites for future investment, we are creating real opportunities for businesses, strengthening our local supply chain, and paving the way for high-quality jobs for our communities.
“The Highlands is ready to play a leading role in Scotland’s and the UK’s energy transition, and this funding is a welcome step forward.”
Across the UK, 16 projects are sharing £3.3 million through the programme.
For the Highlands, the stakes are significant.
The Green Freeport is projected to attract more than £3 billion in inward investment and deliver over 10,000 long term jobs over the next 20 years.
Behind the policy language lies a simple test.
Will this turn into real contracts, real apprenticeships and real pay packets for Highland families.
