Published Date: Jan 13th, 2023
Fife Council, as part of the private-public bid consortium behind the bid, welcomes the news that Babcock International, Forth Ports Group and Scarborough Muir Group have been shortlisted by the Scottish and UK governments to create an internationally renowned port, shipbuilding, manufacturing and logistics cluster at Rosyth.
It includes plans for a new freight terminal, offshore renewable manufacturing and green power generating capacity. It will also enable development of large-scale advanced manufacturing, skills and innovation onsite, alongside a proposed new rail freight connection. This vision and the associated economic and community benefits will boost Fife and the wider region.
Fife councillors already backed the bid at a cabinet meeting in September 2022, where the continued involvement of Fife Council as a lead partner was approved. The identified sites within Rosyth and Burntisland, have the potential to support the delivery of new investment and several thousand new jobs.
Cllr David Ross, Leader, Fife Council, said: “The shortlisting is really good news for Fife. Forth Green Freeport (FGFP) designation will support us to deliver real, transformational change by boosting local industry, creating jobs and new opportunities for our communities and future generations.
“I am pleased that key components of the FGFP green growth investment corridor are sites in Burntisland and Rosyth. Both locations and their associated infrastructure, skilled local labour market and socio-economic assets are integral to the future transformation of the Forth. We recognise the role that these sites can play in stimulating sustainable growth in advanced manufacturing, freight or logistics operations and the green economy.
“The outer boundary area identified to support the proposed FGFP sites of Rosyth and Burntisland also provides important links via the M90, A92 and Fife Circle rail network into Mid Fife. By aligning with planned investment activity, we are committed to maximising benefits from the Forth Green Freeport designation for Fife.
“Fife Council and our regional partners through the £1BN Edinburgh and South East Scotland City Region Deal have always recognised the important role that South West Fife and Mid Fife can have in securing economic regeneration of the Forth corridor, aligning to a strong and unique regional prosperity offer.
“It is therefore only right that Fife is central to the new Forth Green Freeport that will drive forward a re-industrialisation of the Forth corridor including harnessing new green technologies, alternative fuels development, advanced manufacturing growth and renewable energy sector development.”