Fife Council Welcomes New Chair of Forth Green Freeport

Fife Council, as part of the private-public bid consortium behind the bid, welcomes the news that Dame Susan Rice DBE has been appointed as the inaugural independent Chair of Forth Green Freeport to deliver a green growth strategy for Scotland’s industrial corridor.

Cllr Altany Craik, Fife Council, Spokesperson - Finance, Economy & Strategic Planning, said: “The appointment of Dame Susan Rice DBE, who has a distinguished background in finance and banking, as Chair is good news for Forth Green Freeport (FGFP), for Fife and the wider region. This is another positive step forward in attaining designation, which will support us to deliver real change by boosting local industry as well as creating new jobs and opportunities for our current communities as well as future generations.

“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. By aligning with planned investment activity, we are committed to maximising benefits from the Forth Green Freeport designation for Fife.

“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.

“Fife Council and our regional partners through the £1BN Edinburgh and South East Scotland City Region Deal recognise the important role that South West Fife and Mid Fife can have in securing economic regeneration of the Forth corridor, bolstering a strong and unique regional prosperity offer.”

Forth Green Freeport was shortlisted earlier this year with its bid to create an internationally renowned port, shipbuilding, manufacturing and logistics cluster at Rosyth. The shortlisted Green Freeport designation for the Firth of Forth supports the wider regional ambitions for green regeneration as a key offer within Edinburgh and South East Scotland, driving Scotland’s green economy.

Fife councillors 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.

The consortium is currently preparing its Outline Business Case which will be submitted to the Scottish and UK Governments shortly.

Fife Business Week 2023 Event - What Forth Green Freeport Means For Fife

As part of Fife Business Week 2023, Invest Fife and Forth Green Freeport partners are running a Forth Green Freeport Briefing Event, which is a must-attend for local businesses, stakeholders, and potential investors eager to understand more about the opportunities available.

This is an opportunity to gain valuable insights from Ken Gourlay, Chief Executive of Fife Council, and other panel members. Learn, engage, and connect with community leaders and experts.

Click the link to book your tickets https://bit.ly/46DJ9c4 #FifeMeansBusiness #ForthGreenFreeport #FBW2023