A HIGHLAND port is celebrating a double win after being named Business of the Year and Coastal Powerhouse at a prestigious national awards ceremony.

Port of Cromarty Firth scooped the double at the Maritime UK Awards event which was streamed live online from Plymouth because of Covid-19 restrictions.

The awards celebrate businesses and organisations across the maritime industry, from leisure to shipping, professional services to ports and engineering and advanced manufacturing.

Cromarty Firth was also shortlisted for Clean Maritime Enabler, and chief executive Bob Buskie the Maritime Professional of the Year.

“We are absolutely delighted to have won not just one but two awards at the Maritime UK Awards,” said Buskie.

“For the port to land Business of the Year, beating two highly-respected ports in the UK maritime industry, Peel Ports Group and Portsmouth International Port, is fantastic.

“To also be named Coastal Powerhouse, ahead of PD Ports and Solent LEP who have both made significant positive impacts within their respective coastal communities, is an amazing achievement and firmly puts us on the map as a force to be reckoned with in the UK maritime sector.”

“We are proud to be an economic driver of huge significance in the Cromarty Firth and of the success we bring to the Highlands.

“We will continue to work hard in the years ahead to build on this legacy.”