Meet Our Sponsor: Port of Cromarty Firth

As we count down to the Highlands & Islands Thistle Awards 2025, we continue our celebration of the organisations whose support makes this event possible. Today, we spotlight the Port of Cromarty Firth, a Trust Port and one of the UK’s leading deep-water facilities, committed to delivering lasting economic, social, and environmental value to the Highlands.

About the Company

Port of Cromarty Firth is a Trust Port and one of the UK’s leading deep-water facilities. We support a diverse range of industries, including offshore energy, renewables, cruise tourism and commercial shipping. Every penny of profit is reinvested into the local economy through infrastructure, jobs, training and community development.

Our goal is to help build a sustainable future for the Highlands by enabling economic growth that delivers lasting benefit to local people and businesses. We are proud to act as a gateway to the region and a long-term partner in its success.Be clear, be confident and don’t overthink it. The beauty of your story is that it’s going to continue to evolve and your site can evolve with it. Your goal should be to make it feel right for right now. Later will take care of itself. It always does.

Why They Sponsor HITA

These awards represent everything we strive to support: excellence, ambition, and pride in the Highlands & Islands. Tourism plays a vital role in our region’s success, and by sponsoring HITA, we’re recognising the outstanding businesses that deliver world-class experiences and enrich our communities. We see it as a chance to give back, spotlight excellence, and stand shoulder-to-shoulder with those raising the bar for the Highlands and Islands.

Category Sponsorship

We are proud to sponsor the Self-Catering and Unique Stays Award, which recognises businesses offering exceptional and distinctive visitor experiences. The Highlands and Islands are known for their natural beauty and warm hospitality, and self-catering stays are often the gateway for visitors to truly connect with our communities and landscapes. This category celebrates those creating memorable, authentic, and high-quality stays that showcase the very best of our region.

Supporting Businesses and Tourism in the Highlands and Islands

We provide the infrastructure and strategic vision that helps bring hundreds of thousands of visitors to the Highlands each year. 

Our cruise programme alone will bring more than 230,000 passengers to the region this year, creating opportunities for tour operators, guides, shops, restaurants, and tourist attractions.

Beyond visitor arrivals, we also invest in community benefit projects, skills development and partnerships that directly support local tourism businesses. By working closely with stakeholders across the region, we help strengthen the visitor economy and create long-term value for everyone involved.

Role in the Local Economy and Community

As a Trust Port, our role is to deliver lasting value for the Highlands. We do this by creating the conditions for sustainable economic growth, attracting new investment, supporting high-quality employment and championing innovation. We reinvest all of our profits into local infrastructure, training, and community initiatives that support long-term regional resilience. We are proud to work in partnership with stakeholders across the public and private sectors to help shape a thriving future for the Cromarty Firth and beyond.

Industry Trends and Innovations

We are entering one of the most transformational periods in the Port’s history. Innovation is no longer optional; it is essential to ensuring long-term economic resilience for the Highlands. From our investment in infrastructure to a wider focus on cleaner, smarter and more efficient ways of operating, we are committed to future-ready growth. As part of the Inverness and Cromarty Firth Green Freeport, we are working alongside partners to attract new industries including floating offshore wind, hydrogen and advanced manufacturing. These opportunities are not just about economic growth; they are about creating a legacy of skilled employment, inward investment and environmental leadership that benefits future generations across the region.

Looking Forward to HITA 2025

Celebrating the passion, creativity and resilience that defines tourism in our region. The Highlands and Islands are powered by people and hearing their stories, sharing in their success, and seeing their hard work recognised is something we always look forward to.

Alignment with Company Goals and Values

Our mission is to be a driver of sustainable growth and opportunity for the region. Supporting HITA aligns perfectly with that, amplifying the excellence of local tourism and hospitality businesses, and showcasing the Highland spirit to a wider audience. It’s about community, collaboration, and striving for the best.

Upcoming Initiatives or Events

We continue to invest in local partnerships and initiatives that deliver lasting value for the Highlands. This includes support for education, skills development, and community-led projects that strengthen the region’s resilience. We are also advancing our investment in green infrastructure to ensure the Port is ready for a more sustainable future in tourism and energy. With this year’s cruise season already bringing thousands of visitors to the Highlands, we are working closely with local partners to ensure the benefits are felt across the community. As activity increases around the Green Freeport, we are also focused on unlocking longer-term opportunities across the supply chain.

Find Out More

Website: https://pocf.co.uk/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/port-of-cromarty-firth-limited/
Facebook: Port of Cromarty Firth
Instagram: @portofcromartyfirth

Three Words to Describe the Company

Collaborative. Custodians. Long-term.

Message to the Finalists

“From everyone at the Port of Cromarty Firth, heartfelt congratulations to all of this year’s Highlands and Islands Thistle Awards finalists.

As proud sponsors of the Best Self-Catering and Unique Stays Award, we’re especially inspired by those who are offering truly memorable visitor experiences that reflect the warmth, beauty and authenticity of the Highlands and Islands. Whether you’re welcoming first-time visitors or returning guests, your work plays a key role in shaping how our region is experienced and remembered.

We’re honoured to celebrate alongside you and wish you the very best of luck at the awards.”