The creation of 11 offshore wind manufacturing sites could bring over 5,000 green jobs to Scotland, according to a joint report published by Highlands and Islands Enterprise and Scottish Enterprise.

Stage 2 of the National Renewables Infrastructure Plan (N-RIP) outlines the investment required to deliver Scotland’s ambition to become a premier location for the manufacturing and deployment of offshore wind turbines.

The report states that a total private and public investment of £223 million would assist the creation of 11 offshore wind manufacturing sites in three regional clusters; West coast, Moray Firth and Forth/Tay. The sites in the Highlands and Islands include Arnish, Campbeltown/Machrihanish, Ardersier, Kishorn and Nigg.  The report also identifies the existing cluster supporting the Pentland Firth and Orkney Waters.

Sandy Brady, Acting Chief Executive of HIE commented: “This report comes at a very exciting time for the offshore renewables sector in Scotland.  At HIE we see the huge long term economic benefits for the coastal communities across our region, from Shetland to Kintyre and the Outer Hebrides to Moray. Port infrastructure, which includes deep water, suitable quayside, craneage, and sizeable laydown areas is seen as key to unlocking the potential to the offshore renewables sector, and acting as the catalyst for developing Scotland’s renewable energy supply chain."

"In partnership with the other public sector organisations, HIE is looking forward to working with industry and port owners to ensure we are ready to support the offshore renewables sector as it develops.”

The findings were welcomed by the First Minister Alex Salmond at a cabinet meeting in Dornoch.