FTZ News

FTZ News: Inverness & Cromarty Firth Green Freeport has appointed Alison Wilson as its permanent managing director, marking a shift from planning to delivery for one of the United Kingdom’s most ambitious green industrial projects.

Wilson, who previously served as investment and development manager and later as interim managing director, was confirmed in the permanent role on July 15. The appointment comes as the Freeport moves deeper into the execution phase of its long-term strategy to attract large-scale investment in renewable energy and advanced manufacturing.

The Freeport covers strategic industrial sites across the Scottish Highlands and positions itself as a hub for offshore wind supply chains. It includes more than 520 hectares of industrial land and over 3,500 meters of quay. Officials project that the zone could draw around £6.5 billion in investment over 25 years and support more than 11,000 long-term jobs.

A key asset is the Port of Nigg, which offers deep-water berths and extensive fabrication space. Sumitomo Electric has committed £350 million to a subsea cable manufacturing facility at the site, underscoring the Freeport’s role in the offshore wind sector. The Port of Cromarty Firth provides additional capacity for energy and logistics operations, with further expansion plans under consideration.

Wilson has said major project milestones are expected within the next 12 to 18 months. Her task will be to convert tax incentives and infrastructure advantages into concrete investment, employment and industrial output.

For the Highlands, the Freeport represents an attempt to build a durable economic base around the energy transition. Success will ultimately be measured not by designations or announcements, but by capital deployed, facilities completed and jobs created.