Freeport – Inverness and Cromarty
Map of the area of the Inverness and Cromarty Freeport
Inverness and Cromary Firth green freeport is located in the North of Scotland
Applicants to become operational within a Green Freeport in Scotland were required to demonstrate how they would contribute towards a just tranistion to net zero emissions by 2025 and create new, green jobs.
They were also required to set out how they would support high-quality employment opportunities with fair work conditions at their core.
Strategic partnerships: Local authorities, government bodies, and private enterprises working together to leverage their combined expertise and resources. Ongoing collaboration and continuous engagement with a diverse range of partners to unlock opportunities.
The Inverness & Cromarty Firth Green Freeport was jointly selected by the UK and Scottish Governments in January 2023 as one of Scotland’s two Green Freeports. It forms part of the wider Green Freeport policy intended to encourage investment, regeneration, innovation and the transition to a net zero economy through a combination of tax incentives, customs arrangements and public investment.
The Green Freeport covers a network of strategically important sites centred on the Cromarty Firth and Inverness area, supporting offshore wind, renewable energy, advanced manufacturing, maritime industries and associated supply chains. Its stated ambition is to establish the Highlands as a major international hub for renewable energy investment and industrial development.
The Green Freeport is operated through an independent company limited by guarantee.
The Highland Council acts as the Accountable Body for public funding and governance responsibilities while the Green Freeport company provides strategic leadership and operational delivery under the agreed governance arrangements.
The governance model is intended to combine commercial agility with public accountability. Highland Council, as the accountable body, retains responsibility for safeguarding the public funds and ensuring compliance with procurement and governance requirements until the agreed governance arrangements are fully implemented.
Government policy identifies four principal objectives:
Current principal sites include:
These sites collectively form the operational area supporting offshore wind, renewable energy manufacturing, logistics, research and associated industries.
Key organisations include:
Official publications identify long-term ambitions including:
These figures represent policy objectives rather than verified outcomes and will be tested through future evidence gathering.
The governance design appears to be well designed and supported by a clear allocation of responsibilities between the ICFGF, Highland Council, an the UK and Scottish governments.
While the framework itself is comparatively mature, the volume of publicly available operational evidence remains limited.
Routine publication of governance outputs—such as Board minutes, risk reporting, performance monitoring and assurance documentation—would provide stronger evidence of governance operating effectively over time.
August 2026
So what’s the problem
Freeports – advantages
provide specific benefits like low tariffs, optimised customs processes, and a business friendly framework that stimulates local economies and attracts global players.
Special Economic Zones – SEZ – advantages
Are strategically established to boost economic development through innovative regulations, enticing tax perks, and robust support systems that enhance international commerce. Similar to the rules in freeports.
But what benefit to the local economy? What safeguards? What accountability?
Will they deliver on their promises of economic regeneration, particularly in post Brexit Britain?
Previous experience with big projects like this suggest not. They can benefit some people if correctly controlled and organised. However, people’s trust in government is low, and the people must hold our elected representatives to account.
We are raising the awareness of everyone in Scotland to the potential risks and consequences of each government regime being introduced right across the United Kingdom. They are surrounded in secrecy.
What can you do?
Explore the section that interests you and take a closer look at our vision of the impact Freeports and Special Economic Zones will have on the local economy – where the promises made by the beneficiares of these tax havens will ultimately fail to materialise.
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