It ambitious plan is to transform the 400 acres vacant site into a manufacturing, assembly and operations and maintenance base for new offshore wind fields off Scotland’s east coast.

The site owners are now awaiting the green light from the government and its regulators Marine Scotland and Transport Scotland for the offshore elements of the site.

These consents could be in place in the coming weeks, paving the way for a potential jobs boom for the Highlands.

With a 1km deep water quay, the yard 15 miles east of Inverness is well placed to take a slice of the estimated £70-80bn UK offshore wind construction market.

Port of Ardersier Chief Executive Officer Captain Stephen Gobbi said: “Once all consents are in place we will be able to undertake major dredging which could enable the port to be open for business this year.

“There are few other deep water ports in the UK, or indeed Europe, which offer this quality and quantity of vacant land, a 1000 metre deep water quay and proximity to the major offshore wind development zones in the North Sea.

“We are continuing to work closely with Transport Scotland and Marine Scotland to ensure we secure the harbour revision order and marine licence which will unlock the incredible potential of this unique site.”