Latest news with #AdrianGillespie
The National
28-05-2025
- Business
- The National
£115m redevelopment of Montrose Port hits key milestone
Early works have started on the sites of three berths to extend the port's capacity by 30%, following a match-funding agreement with Scottish Enterprise. The economic development agency approved £1.7 million towards studies and investigation works which will lead to the creation of 20 hectares of manufacturing land and the three additional quaysides. It is expected this will unlock infrastructure investment in the order of £115m to further develop the port. READ MORE: 3 Palestinians killed, 46 injured 'after Israeli gunfire' at aid hub in Gaza, says UN Scottish Enterprise chief executive Adrian Gillespie said: 'The expansion of Montrose Port is hugely important to providing new infrastructure and space to support the continued growth of the offshore wind sector. 'Montrose Port Authority has exciting plans for the future and we are pleased to back that kind of ambition which will attract further investment into Scotland's economy.' The new berths form part of a wider overall project by the port, including work to turn part of nearby Customs House into a skills academy for the renewables industry. Gillespie added: 'Our ports and harbours are crucial to our future as a trading nation, a green energy powerhouse and as hubs for increased innovation and productivity, and there is no better example than Montrose. 'The innovation and ambition on display there are vital to supporting our just transition to renewables and creating jobs and opportunities for many, many years to come.' Tom Hutchison, chief executive officer of Montrose Port Authority, said: 'The redevelopment of berths nine, 10 and 11 marks a vital step in reinforcing Montrose Port Authority's role in supporting the offshore wind sector and the wider energy industry. 'We're grateful to Scottish Enterprise for acknowledging our vision and ambition, and for match-funding this early works and investigative stage. 'Their support is instrumental in unlocking further investment, enabling us to increase capacity, create more jobs and drive sustainable economic growth for Montrose and the surrounding region. 'As a trust port, delivering long-term value for our community remains at the core of everything we do.'
Scotsman
21-05-2025
- Business
- Scotsman
‘Green' aero-engine plant to bring 350 skilled jobs to Scottish airport site
'The aviation industry is on the cusp of the biggest transformation since the advent of the jet age' – Val Miftakhov, ZeroAvia Sign up to our Scotsman Money newsletter, covering all you need to know to help manage your money. Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Some 350 jobs are in the pipeline after a US company behind green aircraft engines unveiled plans to establish a base in Scotland. ZeroAvia's 'centre of excellence' will be sited close to Glasgow Airport and produce advanced fuel cell systems for its hydrogen-electric aero engines. The facility is expected to be up and running by 2028. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The firm believes that its technology can significantly cut aviation's contribution to global warming by emitting only water. It hopes an engine for up to 20-seat planes will enter service next year and it is working on a design for aircraft with between 40 and 80 seats. ZeroAvia isdeveloping the world's first zero-emission engines for commercial aviation. Picture: ZeroAvia The company's hydrogen centre of excellence and manufacturing facility will be sited within the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation District Scotland (AMIDS) in Renfrewshire. Founder and chief executive Val Miftakhov said: 'Scotland has some unique advantages for ZeroAvia with strong aerospace and engineering skills, a burgeoning hydrogen sector and a clear aviation strategy with potential for early adoption of zero-emission flights. 'The aviation industry is on the cusp of the biggest transformation since the advent of the jet age, with entirely new propulsion systems set to power the next era of aviation - cleaner flights, better economics and better experiences for all. With this new facility, Scotland has a big role to play in driving this transformation.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Scottish Enterprise has awarded a regional selective assistance grant of £9 million to the project, building on an earlier £20m investment in the company from the taxpayer-backed Scottish National Investment Bank. Scottish Enterprise chief executive Adrian Gillespie said: 'It is fantastic that we've been able to attract ZeroAvia to Scotland, not only for the jobs they will be creating, but for the hugely important role they can play in ensuring Scotland maintains its reputation for fostering innovative green technologies. 'Making aviation sustainable is crucial to a successful green economy and Scottish Enterprise is fully committed to backing ambitious companies with innovative ideas.' The new facility will complement ZeroAvia's propulsion centre of excellence in Washington State which is focusing primarily on electric motors and power electronics. The company also has plans to expand its facilities at Cotswold Airport in Gloucestershire. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The UK government's National Wealth Fund has invested £32m in ZeroAvia and the firm has also been awarded £18.5m in UK government research and development funding since 2019. First Minister John Swinney said: 'ZeroAvia's decision to establish a base in Scotland - creating 350 highly-skilled jobs in the process - is the perfect illustration of Scotland's growing reputation in the global transition to net zero. 'Attracting inward investment is critical to economic growth and we will continue to work with Scottish Development International and other partners to bring more high quality jobs to Scotland.'
