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.”