Johnson hints at freeport status for Rosyth

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has hinted that Rosyth could be named as one of Scotland’s two “green freeports”.

Speaking at Babcock’s Rosyth yard during a trip to Scotland on Monday, he suggested it would be possible to make an “educated guess” about the likely location of the freeports.

The agreement between Holyrood and Westminster states both would have an “equal say” during the assessment and selection process.

A joint prospectus and assessment process is expected to be published next month, with winning bids announced in the summer.

But after touring Rosyth, Mr Johnson said: “We’re looking at what we’re doing with the Scottish Government with new freeports, and the co-operation there has been terrific.

“I can’t tell you where they are going to be, but I guess you can sort of make an educated guess about it.

“And that will again have the potential to create tens of thousands of new jobs, and it is very, very exciting to see it.”

Babcock and Forth Ports are drawing up plans for a joint bid to base one of Scotland’s two green freeports at Rosyth on the Firth of Forth.

Other proposals could come from ports at Aberdeen, Peterhead, Cromarty Firth, Dundee and Grangemouth.

Speaking after the prime minister’s visit, Babcock CEO David Lockwood admitted the trip was a vote of confidence, but he said the pair did not discuss the freeport application.

Douglas Chapman, Dunfermline and West Fife SNP MP, said the freeport proposal could stimulate local jobs and investment.

“I understand the bidding process will begin in the spring, and I’m hopeful Rosyth will be considered as a potential home for one of these ports,” he said.