Work is now underway on the latest phase of a significant redevelopment project at Montrose Port, aimed at cementing its position as a vital hub for Scotland's burgeoning renewable energy sector.

This progress follows a crucial match-funding agreement with Scottish Enterprise, which has approved £1.7 million towards initial studies and investigation works.

These early works are focusing on the sites for berths 9, 10, and 11, which will extend the Port's capacity by an impressive 30 percent. The Scottish Enterprise funding will also facilitate the creation of 20 hectares of manufacturing land at the Montrose Port Industrial Park (MPIP) to the north of the town, alongside the three new quaysides. This initial investment is expected to unlock a much larger infrastructure investment of approximately £115 million for the port's further development.

Adrian Gillespie, Chief Executive of Scottish Enterprise, commented on the significance of the project: "The expansion of Montrose Port is hugely important to providing new infrastructure and space to support the continued growth of the offshore wind sector. Montrose Port Authority has exciting plans for the future and we are pleased to back that kind of ambition which will attract further investment into Scotland's economy."

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The development of these berths is part of a broader, ambitious project by the Port. This includes plans to transform part of the nearby Customs House into a Skills Academy dedicated to the renewables industry, as well as the significant expansion of the site, which was acquired with grant funding announced by Scottish Enterprise earlier in the year.

The announcement coincides with Scottish Enterprise's "Ports & Harbours Week," an initiative promoting the invaluable role of Scotland's coastal sites in the national economy. Mr. Gillespie added, "Our ports and harbours are crucial to our future as a trading nation, a green energy powerhouse and as hubs for increased innovation and productivity, and there is no better example than Montrose. The innovation and ambition on display there are vital to supporting our just transition to renewables and creating jobs and opportunities for many, many years to come."

Tom Hutchison, CEO of Montrose Port Authority, expressed gratitude for the support: "The redevelopment of Berths 9, 10 and 11 marks a vital step in reinforcing Montrose Port Authority's role in supporting the offshore wind sector and the wider energy industry. We're grateful to Scottish Enterprise for acknowledging our vision and ambition, and for match funding this early works and investigative stage. Their support is instrumental in unlocking further investment, enabling us to increase capacity, create more jobs and drive sustainable economic growth for Montrose and the surrounding region. As a trust port, delivering long-term value for our community remains at the core of everything we do."