Plans have been unveiled for a green port at Rosyth – but how do residents feel about the proposed development?
Land at Rosyth has been selected to become part of a ‘green freeport’.
The plans, led by Forth Ports, estimate that jobs at the port will be “50% more productive and 40% better paid than the average wage”.
While the proposed port enhancement would bring cashflow and promises to create thousands of jobs in the area, there are concerns it may also come with an environmental cost.
RSPB Scotland said they will be keeping a close eye to ensure the bid will not put wildlife in the Forth Estuary at risk.
While Greens finance spokesperson Ross Greer MSP said after the winning bids had been announced that they risk “significant damage to the environment.”
“There is nothing green about so-called green freeports,” he added .
‘So much wildlife’
We spoke to people who live locally about the green freeport plans before UK and Scottish Government’s announced the winning bids.
Margaret Henderson spends a lot of time in Rosyth and expressed concern over the effect it could have on the environment.
“We have so much wildlife here,” she said, “I wouldn’t want to disturb them.
“I’d be quite sad if anything happened to them.
“But I do understand that there is a need for jobs, especially in this area.
“There must be some way to compromise.”
What do the Forth Green Freeport plans involve?
The Freeport scheme seeks to “re-industrialise Scotland” and boost economic growth in the area.
The proposed plans include:
- New rail freight connection and terminal
- 7,000 new green jobs
- Manufacturing and shipbuilding facilities
- Offshore wind manufacturing
- Solar farm.
Charles Hammond OBE is the CEO of Forth Ports Group.
He said their plan will help Scotland boost its international connectivity through their planned freight hub and rail terminals.
It will offer a “fast-track route” between the North Sea and global markets.
‘More concerned about jobs than wildlife’
Another Rosyth resident, who did not wish to be named, said: “I think something like this should have been done a long time ago.
“I’m more concerned about jobs than wildlife at the moment.
“Maybe there are other measures that could be put in place to protect wildlife.
“The jobs are what are needed here.”
Frank Sandison, 65, said: “I know that the wildlife is important, but right now I’d say that jobs are more important.
“That is an awful lot of jobs. Some local jobs would be very, very important.”
“I do support wildlife myself,” said David Benyon, 67, “but it would be great to bring more jobs to the area.”
Gillian Geary, has lived in Rosyth for thirty years. She said if the bid goes ahead it will “change Rosyth completely”.
“But people are desperate for money right now and times are hard,” she said.
“We do need more jobs to be created around here.
Gillian, 47, continued: “It’s a positive thing in that respect, but it also has its drawbacks.
“If it happens, we’re going to lose Rosyth as we know it.
“The wildlife I see every morning will be gone.”
RSPB ‘will be watching carefully’
An RSPB Scotland spokesperson said Green Freeports “must be truly green and involve no weakening or removal of wildlife protections.
“The Forth Estuary is particularly rich in seabird habitats, so we will be watching carefully,” she added.
A spokesperson for Forth Ports said: “As the river authority, Forth Ports is well aware of the importance of the seabird habitats along the Forth Estuary, and our commitment to protecting and safeguarding those areas will not change.”
Conversation