A Highland port set to become an “offshore wind hub” has secured a £100m credit boost from UK and Scottish government-backed banks.

Haventus, owner of Ardersier Port in the Moray Firth, is currently redeveloping the 450-acre site between Inverness and Nairn.

It is hoped the transformation of the former McDermott construction yard will support future offshore wind projects across the UK and Europe in the transition to net zero, as well as enable the domestic decommissioning of aged North Sea oil and gas assets.

The development, part of the Inverness and Cromarty Firth Green Freeport site, is expected to open in 2025 and will support hundreds of jobs.

Work has already got under way at the site, which will include a new 650-metre quay wall and associated quayside.

Haventus has now secured a joint credit facility from the Scottish National Investment Bank (SNIB) and UK Infrastructure Bank (UKIB), with a £50m boost from each.

Lewis Gillies, Haventus chief executive, said the firm was “delighted” with the banks’ support.

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