A multi-million pound investment is set to significantly enhance Kishorn Port, one of Scotland's most strategically important maritime facilities.

Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) will inject £24.259 million into the port to expand its dry dock and reclaim land, specifically enabling the manufacture of floating offshore wind foundations.

This substantial investment is projected to attract projects capable of supporting up to 1,500 jobs once the port is fully developed. It forms part of a broader Scottish Government commitment of up to £500 million over five years, dedicated to developing the country's ports and strengthening its offshore wind supply chain. This funding aims to ensure that Scottish businesses and communities maximise the benefits from the nation's expanding renewables capabilities.

Kishorn Port, which boasts one of Europe's largest dry dock openings, is strategically located to play a crucial role in marshalling and manufacturing components for current and future offshore wind developments, both within Scotland and internationally.

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Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes, announcing the award ahead of an investment-focused speech in Edinburgh, stated: "This is one of the most significant public investments in our port infrastructure in decades. It is crucial to ensuring Kishorn Port and the communities it supports can reap the benefits of the global renewables market. It is a clear signal from the Scottish Government and Highlands and Islands Enterprise that will give investors the confidence to invest millions more in the area's wider infrastructure, economy and people."

Stuart Black, HIE chief executive, highlighted the immense opportunity for the Highlands and Islands presented by offshore wind, noting that Kishorn is central to this. He stressed the importance of the expanded dry dock and land reclamation in significantly enhancing the port's capacity and its contribution to Scotland's economy and rural community resilience.

Alasdair Ferguson, Director of Kishorn Port Limited (KPL), described the investment as a "significant milestone" for the port's ongoing development. He emphasized that the expansion would act as a catalyst for job creation in Wester Ross and the wider Highlands. Ferguson also pointed out Kishorn's ideal suitability for concrete manufacturing of floating offshore wind substructures, leveraging its on-site quarry for local content, laydown, marshalling, and long-term integration and assembly.