The Inverness and Cromarty Firth Green Freeport (ICFGF) has reached its final set-up milestone with the official signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the ICFGF, the UK and Scottish governments, and The Highland Council.

The agreement, signed on Friday, 26 September 2025, marks the final stage of a five-year planning process designed to establish the Highlands as a major international hub for the offshore wind and renewable energy sector. The Highland Council, led by Councillor Raymond Bremner, will act as the accountable body for public funds and proper governance.

The MoU unlocks £25 million in funding from the UK Government, which the ICFGF will use to support the delivery of significant infrastructure projects at its partner ports.

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Over the next 25 years, the Green Freeport is expected to:

• Attract over £6.5 billion of investment.

• Create more than 11,000 long-term jobs and a future-ready workforce.

Scottish Secretary Douglas Alexander MP called the agreement a "pivotal moment," confirming the £25m funding and range of UK Government tax incentives will "deliver thousands of high-quality jobs and attract billions in investment."

Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes highlighted that the ICFGF's focus on renewable and low-carbon energy industries aligns with the Scottish Government's Fair Work First policy.

The ICFGF has already been instrumental in attracting major investment.

• Sumitomo Electric Ltd (UK) was attracted to the Port of Nigg for its £350 million subsea cable manufacturing facility, which will create over 150 highly skilled local jobs when it opens next year.

• Ardersier Energy Transition Facility has secured a £100m joint credit facility for its nationally significant infrastructure and has placed contracts with more than 110 local firms.

• The MoU signing took place at Aurora Energy Services' recently opened £1.2 million training facility in Inverness, which will train more than 2,000 workers for the sector every year.

Calum MacPherson, Chief Executive of ICFGF, said: "We're proving that the Highlands can compete - and win - on the international stage."