An agreement to establish two Green Freeports in Scotland has been approved.

Both the Scottish and UK government have agreed:

• to establish a joint applicant prospectus, with Ministers and officials from both the Scottish and UK Government having an equal say throughout the assessment and selection process
• that applicants in Scotland are required to contribute towards a just transition to net-zero emissions by 2045
• that applicants in Scotland are required to set out how they will support high-quality employment opportunities that offer good salaries and conditions

UK Ministers are expected to provide up to £52 million in seed funding to help establish Green Freeports in Scotland.

Economy Secretary Kate Forbes said:

“I am pleased we have been able to reach an agreement on a joint approach that recognises the distinct needs of Scotland's economy and enshrines the Scottish Government’s commitment to achieving net-zero and embedding fair work practices through public investment.”  

“Scotland has a rich history of innovative manufacturers and so as we look to grasp the many opportunities of achieving net-zero, the establishment of internationally competitive clusters of excellence will help us create new green jobs, deliver a just transition and support our economic transformation.”

Secretary of State Michael Gove said:  

“This is a truly exciting moment for Scotland, and I am delighted we will be working together with the Scottish Government to set up two new Green Freeports.”

“By collaborating using opportunities like Green Freeports we can work to level-up the whole of the UK and bring benefits and opportunities to communities that need it most.”