A Scottish port has posted a rise in revenues and profits in its annual accounts.
Forth Ports hailed the arrival of giant yellow structures as part of a major offshore renewables project as it posted a hike in adjusted operating profit to £127.9 million, up £13.1m or 11.4%, on the previous year.
The group’s annual report for the year ended December 31, 2025, reveals revenues for the year of £356m which represents a 6.4% increase on the year prior.
Stuart Wallace, Forth Ports chief executive, said: “The year saw meaningful advancement in our support of Scotland's offshore wind sector, with the Port of Leith’s new offshore renewable energy riverside berth formally opening in April and reaching a major milestone in October as we welcomed Inch Cape's first XXL monopiles.
“This significant offshore wind project is a pivotal step in establishing Leith as a market leading construction and marshalling hub, reinforces our long-term commitment to the renewables supply chain and complements the substantial investment programme already undertaken in Dundee.”
Read More:
- Progress being made on first Scotland ferry link to France
- Harbour 31's plans approved for 250 new homes at Edinburgh's waterfront
He said the revenue increase “is explained by a variety of factors reflecting the diversity of our operations and included growth from offshore wind-related activity, strong towage activity, increased cargo handling revenues, partly due to higher activity through both the RoRo and CMAT at Tilbury and good storage levels across the port estate”.
The chief executive said: “In July we were also pleased to support the ‘float-off’ marine operation for Type 31 frigate, HMS Venturer, as she entered the River Forth for the first time. This operation demonstrated the unrivalled deep-water capability of the new berth - 2025 was also a key year for major regeneration and Freeport-related progress.
“In November, the Forth Green Freeport secured full business case approval, unlocking seed capital, the next phase of investment and enabling large-scale regeneration across strategically important sites in the region. This milestone reflects extensive collaboration between both governments, industry and community partners, and positions the Green Freeport as a catalyst for long-term job creation, innovation and inward investment.
“At the Port of Leith, the year brought further momentum as a vibrant new waterfront development, the Dry Dock at Harbour 31, secured planning consent, representing an important step in the long-term revitalisation of the area and continuing the transformation of Leith into a thriving commercial and community hub.”
The group has 1,300 employees, including south of the Border at Tilbury.
Stuart MacGregor, chief financial officer, said: "The year was one of further strong growth for Forth Ports delivering an excellent financial performance, underpinned by returns on investments made over several years, notably in offshore wind and at Tilbury.
"The growth was achieved despite navigating many macro issues which saw limited growth in certain markets in which we play a key role, reinforcing our strategy of diversification. The group has delivered excellent revenue growth which has been a key enabler in continuing our investment programme across our ports.
"Forth Ports is part of the Forth Green Freeport consortium and we continue to work closely with our fellow consortium members. This ambitious project will generate thousands of new skilled jobs and act as a catalyst for new green technologies and renewable energy manufacturing, re-industrialising the Central Belt of Scotland."
Scottish family-owned bakery secures £4.9m to boost global growth
Dean’s, based in Huntly, has secured a £4.9 million funding package from Bank of Scotland, writes Rose Moncur.
The support comes after the business reports a growth in international demand for its shortbread and biscuits, particularly in markets including Australia, China, Japan, the United States and Europe.
The investment will support increased production capacity, develop new customer relationships and manage cash flow as exports continue to rise.
The bakery was founded in 1975 by Helen Dean, who began baking shortbread in her kitchen to raise funds for the Huntly Pipe Band.
Demand quickly grew, leading the business to move from the family home to a converted grocer’s shop and eventually to a purpose-built bakery in Huntly in 1992.
The then Prince Charles officially opened the bakery in 1994, and in 2007 the company launched Scotland’s first visitor attraction dedicated to shortbread.
This year marks Dean’s 50th anniversary and the acquisition of Duncan’s of Deeside, further expanding the company’s reach in the sector.
Read more
Bill Dean, managing director of Dean’s, said: "It's incredibly rewarding to see products that started with my mother's shortbread recipe being enjoyed by customers all over the world.
"Scotland has a fantastic reputation for food and drink, and shortbread remains one of the country's most recognisable exports, valued for its tradition and craftsmanship."
All jobs lost as Scottish company falls into administration
A Scottish company operating for almost two decades has been placed into administration.
All 40 jobs were lost with the collapse of the Glasgow company amid “insurmountable challenges”.
Alistair McAlinden and Geoff Jacobs, of Interpath, have been appointed joint administrators to BGL Contracts Limited.
The administrators pointed to “unforgiving contracts” which are leaving companies like BGL “highly vulnerable to insolvency”.
The company was a subcontractor specialising in electrical fit-out to clients across a number of sectors, "notably in leisure and hospitality, automotive and retail".
The administrators said that the business operated in a “highly competitive market” and, in recent months, “had struggled to overcome financial challenges amidst rising costs, low contract margins and the rephasing of some major contracts”.
