A £6 million investment in offshore wind infrastructure has been announced, with funding set to support projects in the Inner Moray Firth and Stornoway.
The Scottish Government funding will support key developments aimed at strengthening Scotland’s renewable energy supply chain while creating new jobs across the Highlands and Islands.
A total of £3.9 million will be invested in the Ardersier Energy Transition Facility, located in the Inner Moray Firth, which is expected to become the largest facility of its kind on the North Sea coast.
The site will provide critical infrastructure to support both fixed and floating offshore wind projects, positioning the Highlands at the centre of future energy development.
In Stornoway, Navantia UK will receive £2.05 million towards a £5 million project at the Arnish yard, where more than 75 new jobs are expected to be created.
The investment will fund new plant and equipment, allowing the port to handle larger projects while reducing energy use.
A further £965,000 has been allocated for pre construction work to support future expansion at Arnish.
Navantia’s workforce is expected to grow from 150 to 250 over the next decade, with 30 apprentices already part of the operation.
Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes said:
“The growth of both Ardersier Energy Transition Facility and Navantia’s operations at Arnish will bring meaningful benefits to Lewis and the Highlands.
“Offshore wind is one of the biggest economic opportunities Scotland has ever had.
“These investments will significantly boost Scotland’s clean energy sector, support new well paid, skilled jobs in Stornoway and boost economic opportunity at Ardersier.”
Navantia UK CEO Donato Martinez said:
“This support will help accelerate our investment programme at Arnish, a facility with a strong track record in complex offshore fabrication and a highly skilled workforce.
“Navantia UK is building on these strengths to ensure Arnish is best placed for future opportunities across the energy market, including offshore wind, creating high quality, long term jobs for the community.”
Ian Cobban, interim chief executive of Haventus, which owns Ardersier Port, said:
“We welcome approval of this valuable capital funding.
“The alignment of national, regional and local government in Scotland, in support of the renewable energy industry, has been of critical value to Haventus, as we developed our facility.
“Ardersier now enters its operational phase at a moment when the UK’s security of energy supply is a focus of attention.
“We look forward to playing our part as a central element in the supply chain for a new national and global industry.”
The investment reflects a wider push to expand Scotland’s renewable energy capacity while supporting jobs, skills and long term economic growth in coastal and island communities.
