UK Energy Minister Michael Fallon wants to travel to the north-west Highlands to investigate ways that the area can be used to boost the offshore wind industry.
He made the comments in Westminster yesterday after being invited by local MP Charles Kennedy to visit Kishorn port in Wester Ross.
Plans have been lodged for a redevelopment of the former oil platform fabrication yard at Kishorn to turn it into an assembly hub for the offshore energy sector, including wind, wave and tidal schemes.
Since 2010, almost £18billion has been invested in the UK’s offshore wind industry, creating more than 9,000 jobs in the process.
Former Liberal Democrat leader Mr Kennedy, the MP for Ross, Skye and Lochaber, raised the plans for Kishorn during energy questions in the Commons.
“May I tempt him with some highland hospitality?” he asked Mr Fallon.
“I invite the minister to pay a visit to Kishorn Port Ltd in my constituency, which began with the concept of manufacturing offshore wind turbines and has submitted – and now had approved – a master plan with Highland council, the diaspora of which could see 2,500 jobs being created on that site.
“That would be a massive boost to the economy of the Highlands, Scotland and the United Kingdom. Would he care to pay a visit, perhaps during the recess?”
Mr Fallon replied: “I will certainly see whether that is possible.
“I am already aware of – how can I put it – the power of Skye hospitality, and I would certainly like to see for myself exactly the potential for Skye to contribute to the offshore wind power that we need.”
Speaking afterwards, Mr Kennedy said: “I am extremely pleased that the minister is open to visiting the site at Kishorn.
“Kishorn represents a fantastic opportunity for the constituency and I am extremely pleased that the government recognises the potential of the site and of the wider constituency.”
