The north-east of Scotland has a proud history of enterprise and trade with the rest of the world spanning over a thousand years.
By as early as the twelfth century, Port of Aberdeen had established itself as the north of Scotland’s major commercial centre and, in the many years since, the region has held that competitive edge in spite of major upheaval and the decline of core industries.
The north-east’s story is built on resilience, innovation, reinvention and seizing opportunities in the face of change.
We have risen to the challenge of regeneration many times before and, with the right support from government, we shall rise to it again.
North-east can be global leader in sustainable energy
The North East Scotland Green Freeport, encompassing Aberdeen city and Peterhead, will transform our region into a global leader in sustainable energy and innovation.
It will secure vital trade and turbocharge our transition to a greener future. It will usher in a new era of investment, with projected regional growth of £8.5 billion.
It will put people and fair work firmly at its heart, with the potential to create 32,000 high-quality and well paid jobs — a just transition in practice with life-changing opportunities for those who need them the most.
Each one of the five Scottish green freeport bids currently under consideration by the UK and Scottish governments could give their local community a boost.
But only Aberdeen can make a difference on a truly global scale.
If Scotland and the UK are to accelerate and expand their efforts in tackling climate change, they need a successful north-east green freeport. It can unlock that future.
If we are to repurpose our skills and supply chain, continuing our journey as global pioneers in offshore wind and hydrogen technology, then the north-east must lead the way.
Government must not let opportunity slip through hands
If we seek to harness the energy of our people to provide the security of a greener tomorrow for everyone across these islands, then it is our region alone that can call upon the talent required.
Scotland is one of the most strategically located maritime nations in the northern hemisphere, and Aberdeen and Peterhead are its prime gateways for the future of trade and to service a low-carbon industrial revolution.
The world is undergoing a momentous process of change already. The future holds huge potential and promise for our region to become the net zero capital of Europe.
Governments at Holyrood and Westminster have a golden opportunity in front of them. They must not risk letting it slip through their hands.
Back the North East Scotland Green Freeport and show the world that Scotland and the UK mean business.
Andrew Ritchie – Interim chairman of the board of the North East Scotland Green Freeport
Conversation