Highland port to be expanded in upgrade plan

The Port of Nigg has been granted green freeport status

A Highland port is to be expanded as part of plans to invest hundreds of millions of pounds in the site.

Japanese firm Mitsui, which recently took over control of the Port of Nigg in Easter Ross from Highland-based Global Energy Group, has announced plans to extend the quayside out into the Cromarty Firth.

The extension to 20m (66ft) of water depth will mean the port is able to take the largest ships and barges for loading offshore wind turbines.

The port is seen as vital to the expansion of offshore wind and is a leading part of one of Scotland's two green freeports.

Another Japanese company, Sumitomo Electric, is investing in a £350m subsea cable factory at a neighbouring site on the Cromarty Firth

It is scheduled to be open next September. The first Scottish recruits for its operations team have been sent to Japan for six months of training.

Green freeport status

The Port of Nigg has been designated as a green freeport, alongside Forth Ports, meaning it can offer tax incentives and lower tariffs within specified zones.

However, the ports have to adhere to net-zero targets and support fair work practices.

In February, HMRC gave Nigg permission to have some of its own customs arrangements, meaning taxes and certain duties on goods arriving do not have to be paid.

Highlands and Islands Enterprise has also committed £10m to create a new heavy-duty quayside at the port.

Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes said at the time that it would be a "catalyst for further investment".