McArthur responds to Green Freeport announcement

Responding to the announcement that Inverness & Cromarty Firth and Firth of Forth have been selected as Scotland's two Green Freeports, Orkney's MSP Liam McArthur said:

"It’s probably no great surprise that Orkney has not been selected as one of two Scottish Green Freeports. If the UK and Scottish Governments are to avoid this process simply resulting in the displacement of activity, however, Ministers will need to give serious and urgent consideration as to what measures can also be put in place to support ports that were unsuccessful.

"In that respect, Orkney has marshalled a compelling case for the contribution our islands can make on a national and international level in terms of green innovation. I would hope both governments will recognise and support the delivery of that potential through measures that meet our island needs and circumstances. That is certainly an argument I will be making to Ministers."