Green freeports
Opportunity Cromarty Firth and Firth of Forth Green Freeport have been selected jointly by the Scottish Government and UK Government as the locations for Scotland’s first Green Freeports.
Green Freeports are designed to boost innovation and inclusive growth within communities, while supporting Fair Work First practices, creating new green jobs, upholding the highest environmental protections and supporting economic transformation.
Working in partnership with the UK Government, we have adapted the UK Government’s freeport model to develop a sustainable and fair Green Freeport model that fits the Scottish context.
A Green Freeport is a large zoned area within a defined boundary which includes a rail, sea or airport. Operators and businesses in the zone can benefit from a package of tax and other incentives through a combination of devolved and reserved levers.
Green Freeports are required to contribute to four key policy objectives:
- promoting regeneration and high-quality job creation – our lead policy objective
- promoting decarbonisation and a just transition to a net zero economy
- establishing hubs for global trade and investment
- fostering an innovative environment
The two Green Freeports have been selected in Scotland through an open, transparent and competitive process. We will work closely with the successful applicants to ensure they deliver maximum positive impact and become operational as soon as possible.
We will also work with the unsuccessful bidders to consider how they can build on the plans set out in their bids, to deliver jobs and growth in their regions, outside the Green Freeports programme.
Following announcement of the selected Green Freeports on 13 January 2023, a note about the decision making in the Green Freeport competition has been published. The Green Freeports Selection Decision Making Note sets out the decision-making process for determining Green Freeport locations.
Correspondence
The Green Freeports joint working agreement between the Scottish and UK Governments is set out in an exchange of letters. Both letters have been published and are available below: