Nigg multi-million investment welcomed NOW by Highland Council Leader

4th December 2021

Leader of The Highland Council, Margaret Davidson has welcomed the announcement today by the First Minister of Scotland, Nicola Sturgeon in relation to the much anticipated Nigg Offshore Wind ("NOW") tower rolling factory.

The £110m project proposed by Nigg Offshore Wind Asset Company Limited (NOW) - a joint venture by Global Energy Group and leading European tower manufacturer, Haizea Wind Group, Bilbao - was announced today (Friday 3 December).

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: “We need bold, collective action to tackle the global climate emergency, and the growth of our renewables sector over the next ten years will be truly transformative, helping to deliver a just transition to net zero and a greener, fairer future for us all.

“This significant investment in Scotland's energy sector is testament to the skills, expertise and innovation within our industry. We are delighted to financially support this cutting edge offshore wind towers facility, through Highlands & Islands Enterprise, as it reaches this significant milestone, that will deliver high value, green jobs and bring multiple benefits to communities across the Highlands and beyond while playing a pivotal role in delivering offshore renewables growth in Scotland and further afield.”

Councillor Davidson joined the First Minister for the announcement at the Port of Nigg on Friday 3 December 2021.

She said: “I am delighted to hear first-hand today about the plans and timeline for a state of the art tower manufacturing facility which will propel Scotland and in particular, the Highlands, to the forefront of the green industrial revolution. This is a first for Scotland, and I am very proud that Highland has been chosen as the prime location which clearly supports Opportunity Cromarty Firth’s ambition for the Cromarty Firth to become an ‘Green Port’ - Scottish Freeport.”

“This new facility will bring much needed jobs and prosperity to the Highlands and will enhance our economic viability for years to come. This initiative also fits with our Council’s ambitions for Highland to be a Green Hub for Scotland as set out in our Future Highland Health and Prosperity Plan which was approved by Council in September.”

The Council’s recommended approach to the development of a net zero strategy and action plan, including clear targets and performance indicators, is set out in a report to Council for members’ consideration on 9 December.