Ayrshire ports ‘perfectly placed’ to invite new investment boost
Ayrshire could be the home to major new investment and jobs, if granted Freeport status.
That’s according to one councillor, who says the south of the county is “perfectly placed” to deliver on the ambitious project.
Freeports have special status which allow companies to defer paying tax or owe none at all if they make products on-site.
They are already planned in England in a bid to encourage more trade and offset any economic harms of Brexit.
Now the Scottish Government has confirmed it plans to adapt the UK model to establish “fair, sustainable, green ports”.
A streamlined planning process and a package of tax and customs reliefs will also be used.
Martin Dowey, the Conservative leader on South Ayrshire Council, says the ports of Ayr, Troon and Prestwick are in prime position to make the most of any such move.
He told Ayrshire Business: “I have been calling for a Freeport for South Ayrshire for over two years.
“I have written to the Prime Minister on two occasions to push for free port status incorporating the Ports of Ayr, Troon, Prestwick Airport and Newton Goods yard.
“The criteria is the need to be near a major sea port, Airport or major road network and have a high level of deprivation.
“South Ayrshire ticks all the boxes and ideally placed to be chosen as one of the UKs new free ports.”
Mr Dowey, who claimed the SNP’s decision to back Freeports represented a “U-turn” on previous opposition to their creation, added: “We need to ensure we win this race and the thousands of jobs associated with it.”
Scottish trade minister, Ivan McKee, who has held talks with the UK Government, said the reputation of freeports is “mixed, with concerns about deregulation and risk of criminality, tax evasion and reduction in workers’ rights raised”.
He said ministers propose to take the existing freeport model used by the UK Government and apply Scottish priorities.
They hope, in turn, to create an “exemplar” that helps deliver net-zero emissions and fair work principles, alongside supporting regeneration and innovation ambitions.
The UK Treasury wrote to Mr McKee in December to outline how the freeports plan could “greatly benefit the people of Scotland”.
Several sites, including Aberdeen, Dundee, Montrose, Rosyth and Cromarty, are understood to be keen to enjoy freeport status.
Cllr Dowey added: “Competition is sure to be fierce and that is why any such South Ayrshire bid should be organised.
“We have all the tools necessary to make our ports the heart and soul of our towns once again and we should grasp this opportunity with both hands.”