Quantum Energy Partners invests £300m in Ardersier Port in the Scottish Highlands

A US firm has committed to invest £300m as part of a drive to transform a Scottish port into a major energy transition facility.

Ardersier Port Authority hailed the investment by Quantum Energy Partners, which will help to accelerate work already under way at the 450-acre site in the Highlands between Inverness and Nairn.

It is hoped the redevelopment of the former McDermott construction yard will support future offshore wind projects in Scotland, the UK and Europe, and enable the domestic decommissioning of aged North Sea oil and gas assets.

Michael MacDougall, a partner at Quantum, said the firm "is delighted to invest" in Ardersier.

He added: "The site's scale and geographical location means it is ideally positioned to become a leading European hub for offshore renewable energy."

As part of the project, Lewis Gillies has been appointed chief executive of Haventus, Ardersier Port's new parent company.

Steve Regan and Tony O'Sullivan, founders of Ardersier Port, said: "This investment by Quantum and securing the appointment of a CEO of Lewis's calibre is a clear endorsement of our vision for Ardersier Port to transform a national asset into a key energy transition facility."

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Those behind the redevelopment anticipate it will create thousands of local construction jobs in addition to the ongoing employment opportunities for the deployment, and subsequent maintenance, of the offshore wind fleet and decommissioning of redundant North Sea assets.

Fergus Ewing, the MSP for Inverness and Nairn, said: "I warmly welcome the announcement of this major investment.

"The site has a long history in oil and gas fabrication. Now the investment will be in renewables.

"This will create opportunities in the Highlands, especially for young people. I welcome the commitment to work with local communities."

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Drew Hendry, MP for Inverness, Nairn, Badenoch and Strathspey, added: "The plans cannot be underestimated in terms of the potential for jobs and strengthening the local economy.

"It also further underlines the attractiveness of the Highlands as the place for the future of energy."