Leading renewable energy developer and operator, SSE Renewables, has welcomed the news that Opportunity Cromarty Firth (OCF), the consortium bidding for a Green Freeport centered on the Firth and Inverness, has been successful in its bid.

The partnership's bid for Green Freeport Status was one of five in Scotland which were considered by UK and Scottish ministers, with OCF's success announced at an event with the Prime Minister Rishi Sunak in Invergordon today.

Steve Wilson, Director For Capital Projects for Offshore at SSE Renewables, said: "This is fantastic news for both the Highland and Scottish economies. As we continue to expand our business, we will continue to support Highland communities and supply chain to grow and prosper.

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"The Cromarty Firth has a key role to play in the delivery of Scotland's renewable energy targets, particularly those for offshore wind, and in ensuring that Scotland maximises the economic benefits from renewables.

"We look forward to helping the new Green Freeport shape and nurture the opportunities which the growth of offshore wind in Scotland presents."

The OCF consortium, launched in 2020, includes the ports of Cromarty Firth, Nigg and Inverness and also Inverness Airport. The bid was backed by Inverness Chamber of Commerce and more than a dozen businesses, as well as public sector organisations, and academic bodies, including The Highland Council and the University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI).

SSE Renewables was among a group of leading renewable energy developers who publicly backed the Inverness and Cromarty Firth bid for Green Freeport status.