Highland Council welcomes North Sea Commission delegation to Inverness

Chair of Highland Council’s Economy and Infrastructure Committee, Cllr Ken Gowans, welcomed delegates from the North Sea Commission to Inverness today (20 February 2024) to discuss potential collaboration with the European co-operative platform.

Through dialogue and formal partnerships, the North Sea Commission aims to promote common interests, especially in relation to European Union institutions, national governments and other organisations dealing with issues that are relevant to the North Sea.

Delegates, including Elisbet Babic, President of the North Sea Commission and Vice President Siv Henriette Jacobsen, were met at Highland Council headquarters by Chair of Highland Council’s Economy and Infrastructure Committee, Cllr Ken Gowans, KIMO President and Highland Councillor Trish Robertson, and Executive Chief Officer for Economy and Infrastructure, Malcolm MacLeod.

Chair of Highland Council’s Economy and Infrastructure Committee, Cllr Ken Gowans, said: “I was very pleased to welcome the President and Vice President of the North Sea Commission to Highland today.

“The meeting provided an opportunity to stress the importance of maintaining and fostering greater connectivity between the Highlands and our European colleagues, particularly as we share mutual interests.”

“One of the North Sea Commission’s main aims is to strengthen partnerships between regional authorities which face many similar challenges and opportunities, so it is important we share our knowledge and experience.

“One such opportunity now exists in Highland - the Inverness and Cromarty Firth Green Freeport - which is set to be a key driver for economic growth and will benefit everyone in Highland.”

He added: “We will give serious consideration to the options available to us to continue this dialog with all members of the North Sea Commission.”

KIMO International President and Highland Council Member Trish Robertson said: "It's great to catch up with the delegates from the North Sea Commission today to discuss our common interests and explore possible areas where we can work together.”

KIMO UK, which was formed in 1991 shortly after its international counterpart, works to unite local governments to prevent pollution and protect, preserve, and enhance the seas and coastal waters of the North-East Atlantic and Baltic regions.

Their work involves municipalities coming together to collaboratively promote healthy seas, clean beaches and thriving coastal communities.

You can find out more about the work of the North Sea Commission at the website.