More freight to be taken off Scottish roads and transported by sea

Scotland’s Port of Montrose will be taking more freight by sea thanks to a £1.5m Ports Mode Shift Grant from the Scottish Government.

Over a five-year period, it is expected to deliver environmental benefits worth £5.2m through the removal of 1.26m tonnes of freight from roads and 86,000 HGV lorry journeys in the process.

Minister for Transport and the Islands Humza Yousaf said: “As part of Programme for Government, we have committed to encouraging the transfer of freight from road to more environmentally friendly modes of transport.

“This is a great example of us delivering on that promise and helping Montrose Port Authority deliver millions of pounds of environmental benefits.

“The grant will also safeguard 31 jobs and help the Port of Montrose remain relevant and competitive in the current marketplace, which is seeing an increase in the size of cargo vessels.”

The changes to the quaysides are expected to be completed in summer 2019.