Kishorn Port in Wester Ross has been identified as a key strategic site for Scotland’s offshore wind ambitions, as a £42.2 million expansion project advances to support future renewable energy developments.
The 18-month expansion, which began in June, includes the extension of the site’s dry dock and land reclamation works. These upgrades are intended to support the manufacturing of concrete floating foundations and could create up to 1,500 jobs through increased marshalling, integration and fabrication activity.
Scottish Transport Secretary Fiona Hyslop visited the port this week, describing the ongoing development as essential to meeting national renewable energy goals. “I am pleased to see major expansion works at Kishorn Port progressing at pace, which will enable the port to play a vital role in the delivery of offshore wind projects,” Hyslop said.
The Scottish Government, through its enterprise agency Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE), is contributing up to £24 million to the project. The funding forms part of a broader £500 million commitment over five years to develop port infrastructure in support of offshore wind.
Kishorn Port Limited director Alasdair Ferguson welcomed the public investment, saying it was “vital to ensuring Kishorn Port can realise its potential as a strategic location capable of fully supporting current offshore wind developments and capitalising on future opportunities extending beyond Scotland.”
Ferguson also noted growing interest from the offshore sector. “The new facilities have already received strong expressions of interest from projects in Scottish waters as well as the Celtic and Irish seas,” he said.
RJ McLeod is serving as principal contractor on the site, with additional services being delivered by Scottish firms Wallace Stone, Affric and Leapmoor.
