The Port of Inverness has delivered the highest ever turnover in its 178-year history.
The results for 2024/25 unveiled at the Port’s recent AGM (28 November) included a record turnover of £2.221million, up 7% from £2.078 million the previous year.
The amount of cargo passing through the Port also increased from 2023/24, with 743,000 tonnes of imports and exports handled. Cargoes included timber, fuel, renewable energy components and sustainable aviation fuel.
George Macleod, Chairman of Inverness Harbour Trust who run the Port of Inverness, said: “We are delighted to report the continued success of the Port, particularly as all our surplus, £300,000 in this past year, is reinvested in the business, providing high quality facilities and excellent service to all our port users.
“Our recent acquisition of the New Century House site in the Longman to use as extra laydown space for renewable energy cargo is an excellent example of our continuous striving to improve our infrastructure to take advantage of increased demand.”
At the AGM Chief Executive Sinclair Browne also provided an update on the Port’s plans for the future. He said: “Recent research estimated that an expansion of our facilities to meet demand generated by the Inverness and Cromarty Firth Green Freeport could result in Port of Inverness more than doubling its income to generate £41.5 million GVA per year in ten years and supporting 640 jobs, up from the current 305.
“The potential benefits the Green Freeport is set to bring to the Highlands are huge and could transform the local economy, bringing work, investment and prosperity to the area. Young people in particular will benefit from the new high-quality jobs and the resulting ability to live and eventually bring up their own families in their local communities, instead of having to move away to find work.”
The meeting was addressed by guest speaker Steve Barron, Managing Director of Highland News and Media who highlighted the continued importance of local media outlets in holding businesses to account.
Steve Barron said: “Hearing more about the Port of Inverness reinforces my belief that the future of the Highlands with its culture of collaboration is very bright. The Inverness and Cromarty Green Freeport, of which Port of Inverness is a founding member, is one of the best examples I’ve ever experienced of a range of local organisations working together for the good of the area and providing a growing number of opportunities for young people.”
Find the 2025 Annual report here