Annual Public Meeting
26 September 2024
Stream the meeting
In 2024, we streamed our annual public meeting online – allowing all who wanted to find out more about the Port and its operations to attend, no matter where they were.
Rewatch the stream here, and download the Port’s 2023 annual report below.
Your Questions
Answered
What messages does the port have for the new UK government in respect of the importance of the Freeports status the region has?
The Green Freeport is vitally important for the Highland Region, Scotland and UK economies and it aligns with Labour’s key missions of kickstarting economic growth and making Britain a clean energy superpower . With the potential to create over 10,000 high quality jobs within the area over the next ten years, the Green Freeport, combined with ScotWind and INTOG, is the catalyst that can accelerate investment to underpin long term sustainability.
Does the port have any views on the potential introduction of a cruise levy across Scotland and how could it affect the business?
The cruise sector brought over 213,000 passengers to Invergordon this summer and over 83,000 crew. The average spend per passenger, based on European studies, is £131. This means a spend of £28M directly into the local economy, and a large amount of jobs for local people, via coaches, guides, distillery tours, boat trips on Loch Ness, food, drink, gifts etc. The industry is projected to grow over the coming years, with over 60 new ships on order. However, ports which have introduced a levy have sent a clear message that the industry is not welcome in their region, and they are seeing a contraction. Port of Cromarty Firth is concerned that could happen in Invergordon. The levy would most likely apply to different port calls, so guests would pay in multiple areas. For example, if a cruise stops in Leith, Invergordon and then Ullapool, they would pay a levy in each. As a consequence, the cruise line might decide to drop one of the Scottish calls and go to Iceland / Scandinavia / England instead, or to change the itinerary completely and not call in Scotland. This would directly reduce spend in Highland businesses and would impact jobs in this sector.
What is the community fund for Easter Ross going to be worth for the next 10 years?
The Port’s Community sponsorship fund is available to any of the nine communities which border the Cromarty Firth. The amount is variable dependant on multiple factors including the Port’s financial performance, so it is not possible to project how much that would total over the longer term. The fund has supported local groups with a value over £70,000 during the last two years.
What is the outcome of the feasibility study for expanding the lay down area out to the west of Invergordon? If feasible do you think this is in the best interests of the town and surrounding area taking away a scenic and vast amount of shorefront?
The feasibility studies and design work are still ongoing. No design options connect to the shorefront; they are all in the water and extend the existing facility. As part of the Pre-Application Consultation we held an open day drop in event on Tuesday 29th October 2024 from 11:00am to 8:00pm where plans and designs were made available and feedback sought.
Has the board considered a consortium between Nigg and Ardersier to handle all of the turbine components which would benefit the whole area without detriment to Invergordon town?
Port of Nigg and Ardersier are both independent private businesses that are not owned by Port of Cromarty Firth. The three ports are working closely together through the Green Freeport to make best use of all of the facilities available and to deliver a large number of high quality jobs and business opportunities to people across the whole region.
How is the proceeds from tourism spent and given the port has helped community projects like the cabin at Dalmore, is there any movement or funds available for a street cleaner during the tourist Season for invergordon ? I.e weeding, flower beds and a general tidy up of the high street and surrounding areas to look presentable to both locals and more so tourists.
Will Small Modular Nuclear Reactors be built in the Freeport?
We believe that some components for the nuclear industry have been constructed within the Green Freeport. There are a number of supply chain companies operating throughout the Freeport area which have excellent fabrication and technical skills and support a number of industries. There are currently no restrictions on such activity within the Green Freeport.
Port of Cromarty Firth
Port Office, Shore Road
Invergordon,
IV18 0HD
Tel: 01349 852308
Email: port@pocf.co.uk
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