Skip to main content
Site logo

Main navigation

  • About Us
  • Join Us
  • News
  • People
  • Get Involved
  • Campaigns
  • Contact
  • Western Isles
Site logo

Edward Mountain MSP calls on SNP Govt to back Cromarty Firth Freeport Proposals

  • Tweet
Thursday, 21 January, 2021
  • Local News
Edward Mountain MSP

The SNP have u-turned on their outright opposition to freeports just months after their party conference slammed the proposals.

In a ministerial statement today, the SNP’s Ivan McKee revealed the government will now back the freeports proposal, just months after Nicola Sturgeon and the SNP conference branded them as “low-cost, low-wage, low-value opportunities”.

Edward Mountain MSP has welcomed the u-turn and is calling on the SNP Government to support Cromarty Firth Port Authority’s freeport proposal.

Two weeks ago, Stewart Nicol, chairman of Inverness Chambers of Commerce, backed Opportunity Cromarty Firth’s plans for a freeport.

Bob Buskie, chief executive of the Port of Cromarty Firth, has also said: “Freeport status would bring skilled jobs and high-wage opportunities to the Highlands on a level not seen since the oil boom of the 1970s.”

Edward Mountain MSP commented:

“This screeching SNP u-turn is very welcome. I am pleased that the SNP Government is now finally seeing the massive opportunities that freeports offer. 

Opportunity Cromarty Firth’s proposals have won the backing of several Highland business organisations already. If Cromarty Firth gains freeport status then this would create new jobs and give a real boost to the Highland economy as it recovers from the pandemic.

It is now time for the SNP Government to start working constructively with Highland businesses to ensure that Cromarty Firth can be granted freeport status.”

You may also be interested in

Edward Mountain MSP

Edward Mountain MSP

Shadow Minister for Veterans
Member of the Scottish Parliament for Highlands and Islands
Scottish Conservative & Unionist MSP for the Highlands and Islands. Follow Edward on Facebook at @EdMountainMSP, on Twitter at @1edmountain and on his parliamentary website www.edwardmountainmsp.scot.

Conservatives vote against Labour's useless welfare bill

Wednesday, 2 July, 2025
In an act of cowardice, Keir Starmer has put Party before country. He cannot make the tough decisions necessary.

Show only

  • Articles
  • Holyrood News
  • Local News
  • National News
  • Opinions
  • Reports
  • Westminster News

Donate

We rely on the support of individuals like you.

Donate now

Join or Renew

Help us take action on local issues and build a better Britain.

accepted-payment-cards

Highland Conservatives

Footer

  • About RSS
  • Accessibility
  • Cookies
  • Privacy
  • About us
  • Get involved
Scottish ConservativesPromoted by D Pocock on behalf of Highland Conservative and Unionist Association, all at 109 Church Street, Inverness, IV1 1EY
Copyright 2025 Highland Conservatives. All rights reserved.
Powered by Bluetree