A NEW deepwater quayside in Ross-shire is being backed by a £4 million grant from Highlands and Islands Enterprise.

The sum brings the redevelopment cost of the Port of Cromarty Firth to around £25 million.

The deep water berth is said to be in demand by businesses working in the oil and gas and renewable energy sectors.

The 35 acre base in Invergordon has been operating at close to capacity in recent years with the latest money allowing an additional nine acres of land to be reclaimed.