The Freeport’s focus of green industries, such as offshore wind and hydrogen production, supports long-term employment in sustainable sectors.  Have you, your family, or friends gained employment in any of these sectors within the Freeport or at tax site Leith ?

The lack of updates from officials, including Deputy Minister Kate Forbes has fuelled calls for more transparency.

A couple of years on, the primary investor is noted as the Canadian Civil Service pension fund, indicating external financial backing, though specific investment amounts or economic returns are not publically detailed. 

Why not ? 

Commercial confidentiality ?

The Forth freeport was promoted with high expectations of creating highly paid, professional jobs in sectors like offshore wind and sustainable fuels. However, to date, there is limited public data on the number of jobs created with the Forth Freeport.

Why not?

Concerns have been raised about job losses within the Freeport’s boundary, particularly at Grangemouth –  Scotland’s only oil refinery which has now closed, as well as  Alexander Dennis in Falkirk and Lambert, both located within the freeport area.

Is this not the opposite to what was promised?

These closures have raised questions about the Freeport’s overall job impact, as no clear figures on new employment have been provided and no specific job creation numbers have been publicly confirmed in recent updates.

Are they shifting jobs rather than creating new ones?

Is it a case of profit over people?   with Grangemouth and Alexander Dennis, are we seeing a pattern which will be repeated?                                                             

The Forth freeport is still in its early stages with public money being provided.  We need to keep a close watch on its progress to determine if this is money well spent, and the impact all changes may have on the public purse.