Public investment of up to £10m is planned for a major redevelopment project at Port of Nigg in the Highlands.
Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) has approved the funding to support development of the port’s Inner East Quay, which will result in the creation of a new heavy-duty quayside and the introduction of roll-on roll-off capability.
The project, which is subject to formal approval by Global Energy Nigg Limited, will increase capacity and capabilities at the port, attracting new companies and investment while supporting operations across the country’s growing offshore wind operations.
HIE’s investment forms part of the Scottish Government’s commitment to strategically invest up to £500m over five years to anchor the nation’s offshore wind supply chain.
Port of Nigg is recognised by developers as a prime location for the manufacturing and assembly of offshore wind components and has a significant track record within Scotland’s offshore wind industry, having managed over 3.5GW of assets through the facility.
In 2024, high-voltage cable manufacturer Sumitomo Electric Power Cables Ltd chose to establish a £350m high-voltage cable manufacturing facility in the area, with Nigg serving as the primary export facility.
David Oxley, HIE’s director of strategic projects, said: “Our support for this project is about keeping the UK and the Highlands and Islands region at the forefront of the energy sector, particularly renewable energy, and strengthening our international competitiveness.
“There are many obvious benefits for the region’s economy and job creation. I’m delighted we’ve been able to facilitate further Scottish Government funding and look forward to continuing our collaboration with our public sector partners and industry as the project develops.”
The £10m funding comes as the Scottish Government hosts a major investment event in Edinburgh aimed at unlocking new private investment in the country’s rapidly growing offshore wind industry.
More than 100 stakeholders, including investors and developers, were due to attend today’s Global Offshore Wind Investment Forum, hosted by First Minister John Swinney.
The forum is taking place following a Green Industrial Strategy commitment to raise the profile of Scotland as a destination for capital investment.
The strategy identified offshore wind as one of five priority areas for Scottish Government resources and investment.
The Scottish Government is investing up to £500m over five years in the Scottish offshore wind supply chain to leverage an expected £1.5bn of private investment.
Speaking ahead of the forum, the First Minister said: “The growth and success of Scotland’s offshore wind industry is not only an ambition of my government, it is a priority for me personally.
“Delivering on its promise will not only deliver our global climate obligations, but create significant new jobs and economic opportunities.
“History has shown that success stems from choosing the right time and place to capitalise on the next innovation of the era.
“We have already gained a significant first-mover advantage and laid the groundwork for success.
“Now we are poised to move to the next stage of development and growth and reap the rewards of what we estimate could be a £100bn market.”