Fife freeport success hailed as potential to make region 'major business hub'

A Dunermline MP is proud Fife's been given the status of a green freeport as one of two sites in Scotland.l

Cromarty Firth and Forth Ports, which includes the Kingdom, were officially named as the two sites while Prime Minister Rishi Sunak visited Scotland. 

It's hoped the award will create thousands of jobs and investment in the local economies in the Highlands and the Kingdom. 

The Dunfermline and West Fife MP Douglas Chapman said: “This long-awaited announcement is very welcome and could prove to be a major driver to our economy in West Fife with the likes of the Port of Rosyth benefiting from significant investment.

“We have all the ingredients to make Dunfermline and West Fife one of the most attractive places to start and grow a business, a family, and a successful, sustainable green economy.”

Five bids were submitted in total, which also included Orkney and Aberdeen and Peterhead,  and the winners were brought through a selection process against others. 

Burntisland in Fife. 

The Prime Minister said: “I am absolutely delighted that the first minister and I can announce the delivery of our shared ambition for people in Scotland today with not one but two excellent Green Freeport areas.”

Applicants had to show how they would contribute towards the country's goal of hitting net zero through greener energy and jobs. 

The successful Forth Ports bid, which covers Rosyth and Burntisland, is aiming to improve shipping logistics and begin more offshore wind projects. 

Meanwhile, in the Highlands bosses say the new status will help drive forward renewable projects in the region.

The Scottish Greens, however, opposed the idea by branding them tax dodging scheme. 

Fife Lib Dem MSP Willie Rennie insisted firms operating within the freeport must still pay what they owe in taxes.

He said: “I hope that this deal can bring new jobs to Fife and help to invigorate our local economy.

“Both of Scotland’s governments must now deliver on their promises and make sure that this freeport is taxed fairly, delivers its green commitments and does not simply displace jobs from elsewhere.”