The British Ports Association has announced that Stuart Cresswell, Port Manager at ABP’s Ayr and Troon, has been elected as chairman of the Scottish Ports Group, the industry forum for ports and harbours in Scotland. The ports industry has kept the country supplied during the Coronavirus pandemic but it has some asks of the Scottish Government to aid the recovery.
Stuart Cresswell, chairman of the Scottish Ports Group said;
I am delighted to become the chairman of the Scottish Ports Group today. The Scottish ports sector is fundamental to keeping Scotland supplied, facilitating 95% of international trade and handling 67 million tonnes of freight every year. Ports are key to growth and prosperity in Scotland, directly employing over 14,800 people and contributing £1.9bn in GVA to Scottish GDP. Scottish ports will no doubt play a crucial role in Scotland’s recovery from the economic shock of the Coronavirus pandemic and I look forward to leading the Scottish Ports Group and championing the sector for the next two years.
I would like to thank the outgoing chair, Andrew Hemphill, Port Director of Clydeport who is retiring shortly. Andrew has been involved in the ports industry for over 30 years and has worked tirelessly to the benefit of all Scottish ports during this time.
Cresswell has outlined the sector’s priorities as being:
Utilise and unite the Scottish ports industry to play a key role in economic recovery from Coronavirus, connecting key supply chains and supporting job creation.
Work to improve the recognition of the value of Scottish ports; ensuring they are served well by transport links and planning regimes.
Maximise the UK Freeports model to work for Scotland and support development and growth of Scottish industry.
Work with the Scottish Government on the recommendations made by the Infrastructure Commission for Scotland; including the shaping of NPF4 and transition towards net-zero.
Congratulating Stuart Cresswell on his appointment, Richard Ballantyne, Chief Executive of the British Ports Association, commented:
I would like to congratulate Stuart Cresswell on being elected as the next chair of the Scottish Ports Group. Serving as vice-chair for the last two years, Stuart has been a brilliant supporter of the industry and we look forward to working with him throughout the next two years. This is a challenging time for the Scottish ports sector, but is also a time of great opportunity as the industry and associated sectors, such as Energy and Cruise, move towards a prosperous recovery from Coronavirus.
Along with his role as Port Manager at ABP’s Ports of Ayr and Troon Stuart is also a current director of the Scottish Chamber of Commerce, ex-President of the Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce and of the Scotland’s well-known timberLINK shipping service which is this year celebrating 20 years of successful operation on the Clyde.
The Scottish Ports Group represents the views of this important and dynamic sector, which is a major contributor to the success of the Scottish economy. Coordinated by the British Ports Association, it holds regular meetings with the Scottish Government and other key decision-makers. The Group represents all the major ports in Scotland, as well as numerous smaller harbours.
