Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) has announced that it will invest up to £24 million at Kishorn Port in the west Highlands to enhance its capacity and capabilities, with an expanded dry dock and land reclamation enabling the manufacture of floating offshore wind foundations.

The expanded facilities are forecast – according to the Scottish Government – to attract projects with the potential to support up to 1,500 jobs once the port is fully developed.

The investment forms a part of the Government’s commitment of up to £500 million over five years to develop the country’s ports and offshore wind supply chain. The funding will help ensure businesses and communities secure maximum benefit from the country’s growing renewables capabilities.

As a strategic location for offshore wind components marshalling and manufacturing, Kishorn Port will play a crucial role in supporting current offshore wind developments, not least because the port houses one of the largest openings of any dry dock facility in Europe.

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Announcing the award ahead of making an investment-focused speech today at Panmure House in Edinburgh, Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes said:

“This is one of the most significant public investments in our port infrastructure in decades. It is crucial to ensuring Kishorn Port and the communities it supports can reap the benefits of the global renewables market.

“It is a clear signal from the Scottish Government and Highlands and Islands Enterprise that will give investors the confidence to invest millions more in the area’s wider infrastructure, economy and people.”