The Scottish Government is providing £24 million through Highland and Islands Enterprise (HIE) for an expanded dry dock and land reclamation, which are are intended to enable the manufacture of floating offshore wind foundations at the western Highland port.

Total investment in the project, including private investment, is £42.2m. It will support 84 jobs for up to 18 months during its construction phase. RJ McLeod is the principal contractor for construction.

The Scottish Government says strong expressions of interest to utilise the enlarged dry dock for offshore floating wind and decommissioning projects have already been received by the port.

The expanded facilities are forecast to attract projects with the potential to support up to 1,500 jobs once the port is fully developed.

The latest £24m investment from HIE forms part of a Scottish Government commitment of up to £500m over five years to develop the country’s ports and offshore wind supply chain.

The funding will help ensure businesses and communities secure maximum benefit from the country’s growing renewables capabilities.

As a strategic location for offshore wind components marshalling and manufacturing, Kishorn Port will play a crucial role in supporting current offshore wind developments and is well positioned to capitalise on future opportunities extending beyond Scotland.

The port houses one of the largest openings of any dry dock facility in Europe, making it a unique and valuable asset.

Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes announced the award ahead of an investment-focused speech at Panmure House in Edinburgh today.

Ms Forbes said: “This is one of the most significant public investments in our port infrastructure in decades. It is crucial to ensuring Kishorn Port and the communities it supports can reap the benefits of the global renewables market.

“It is a clear signal from the Scottish Government and Highlands and Islands Enterprise that will give investors the confidence to invest millions more in the area’s wider infrastructure, economy and people.”

HIE chief executive Stuart Black said: “Offshore wind presents a massive opportunity for the Highlands and Islands and Kishorn is one of several ports that are at the heart of this.

“The facility has provided skilled jobs in a rural area for many decades and this is likely to grow significantly, which is vital to community resilience in a priority west coast location.

“The proposed dry dock expansion and land reclamation will greatly enhance the port’s capacity to support offshore wind and the contribution it makes to Scotland’s economy.

“I’m delighted that we’ve been able to secure this significant additional funding for the region and look forward to continuing to work with Kishorn Port Ltd as the project develops.”

Kishorn Port Limited (KPL) director Alasdair Ferguson said: “This is a significant milestone in the continuing development of Kishorn Port.

“The port expansion will provide the catalyst for the support and creation of jobs within Wester Ross and the wider Highlands, benefiting communities across the area. We’re grateful to Highlands and Islands Enterprise and Scottish Government for their support. 

“With the quarry on site, Kishorn Port is ideally suited to concrete manufacturing of floating offshore wind sub-structures, with local content, laydown, marshalling, and long-term integration and assembly possible at the port as part of the wider project in the long-term.”