Two new ‘green’ freeports to be established in Scotland

The freeports will have net-zero targets to obtain as prospective bidders will have to make a pledge to reach net zero by 2045.

The bidding process will open in spring 2022, closing in summer 2022, after which the bids will be assessed, and successful locations announced. It is understood that the new sites will be operational by spring 2023.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said: “Freeports will help to accelerate our plan to level up communities across the whole of the United Kingdom. They have the power to be truly transformational by creating jobs and investment opportunities to enable people to reach their potential, and I am delighted that people across Scotland will reap the benefits that will come from having 2 new Green Freeports.”

Secretary of State Michael Gove added: “Green freeports help inject billions into the local economy, while levelling-up by creating jobs for local people, and opportunities for people all over the UK to flourish.”

Based on the outlined business case of freeports, the government has said that it expects the existing confirmed Freeports across the UK to add £23.9 billion in additional gross value added and bring forwards £25.3 billion in private investment.