GREEN FREEPORT BIDDING PROCESS LAUNCHED

Two green freeports will be named this summer after a £52 million deal was struck between Holyrood and Westminster.

A joint bid will be submitted by Peterhead Port, Aberdeen Harbour, Aberdeenshire and Aberdeen City councils and Aberdeen International Airport.

Mr Brebner said: “We are delighted that the green freeport bidding process has been jointly launched by both the UK and Scottish governments. We look forward to submitting our unique value proposition in collaboration with our partners to become one of the two designated sites.

“Should our bid be successful, it will enable increased economic activity, job creation, innovation, inward trade and investment along with delivering on the Scotland’s net zero ambitions and embedding fair work practices.”

A joint prospectus, published in partnership by the Scottish and UK governments, includes payment of the real living wage, with bidders also demonstrating how they would contribute to Scotland’s climate ambitions and help reach net-zero.

Economy Secretary Kate Forbes said the joint prospectus “recognises the distinct needs of Scotland’s economy by clearly setting out how any bids to establish green freeports in Scotland must help to deliver net zero ambitions and embed fair work practices”.

UK Secretary of State for Levelling Up Michael Gove said: “I am excited to see the innovative proposals come forward and these green freeports built so they can start to deliver for the people of Scotland.”

Applications will be accepted until 20^th June, and two green freeports will be designated.

Winning bids will be selected jointly by Scottish and UK ministers, with the winners announced over the summer.