Cromarty Firth and Forth ports reportedly expected to get Green Freeport status

We understand the Forth and Cromarty Firth ports have been chosen as the two Scottish locations to receive green freeport status.

Political sources say Opportunity Cromarty Firth and the group behind the bid for the Forth ports are expected to be announced this week as the successful bidders for the status.

A green freeport is a special zone which allows businesses to benefit from incentives such as different tax rules.

The status is reportedly set to bring thousands of jobs to the areas surrounding the ports selected.

The Forth ports bid claimed it could bring 50,000 jobs to the area along with £6 billion worth of investment.

Opportunity Cromarty Firth claimed last year that 25,000 jobs could be created in the Highlands with the status.

Three other ports across Scotland put their bids in for green freeport status last year, this includes Clyde Green Freeport, Aberdeen City and Peterhead Green Freeport, and Orkney Green Freeport.

On Cromarty Firth, Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross MP Jamie Stone told us how confident he felt Cromarty Firth would be annouced.

He said: "I'm very optimistic and have acquired from a number of sources it will be Invergordon."

When approached for comment, the Scottish Government did not confirm who the successful bidders are.

A spokesperson said: "Scottish and UK Government Ministers and officials are in discussions to finalise decisions on the successful bids for Scottish Green Freeports.

"We are hopeful that an announcement can be made very shortly."