SCARBOROUGH Muir Group (SMG), the joint venture between Scarborough Group International and Dunfermline-based Muir Group, has marked a major milestone at Queensferry One, Rosyth, with a ceremonial sod-cutting event to commence site preparation works.
Thanks to the efforts of the Forth Green Freeport steering group, the event, which took place on May 5, represented a turnaround in activity at the 110-acre site and signalled the need to bring forward strategically important activity within the Forth Green Freeport.
The works focus on site preparation and groundworks to support construction of Q1 50, a fully consented 50,000 sq ft speculative industrial and logistics unit, subject to contract. These works have been supported by a £300,000 UK Government site accelerator grant, helping fund key enabling works including the removal of legacy foundations and preparation of the development platform.
Attendees at the event included representatives from UK and Scottish Government, Fife Council, Forth Green Freeport, Fife College and Fife Chamber of Commerce, alongside senior figures from major regional employers and strategic partners including Forth Ports and the Ministry of Defence.
John Muir, spokesperson for Scarborough Muir Group, commented, “Today marks an important step in unlocking the potential of Queensferry One. This site has long been recognised for its strategic location, and now the right conditions are in place – with Green Freeport status and strong occupier demand – we are able to move forward with confidence.
“Our focus remains on delivering high-quality, ready-to-occupy space which meets the needs of modern businesses for industrial and logistics. Phase One sets the tone for – creating skilled jobs, supporting key industries and contributing to long-term, sustainable growth across Fife and the wider region.”
Tom Morris, Forth Green Freeport trade & investment manager, added, “Congratulations to the team at Scarborough Muir Group as they start construction of their 50,000 sq ft logistics development at Queensferry One. The site benefits from excellent connectivity, proximity to the Port of Rosyth and wider opportunities in the area. Future tenants may also qualify for tax and customs benefits available within Forth Green Freeport, together with skills, innovation and net zero support.”
Graeme Downie MP, concluded, “Queensferry One and the whole waterfront at Rosyth provide an incredible potential to deliver economic growth across the central belt of Scotland, bringing jobs and opportunities to people across Fife so it is fantastic to see the beginning of that development. The UK Government has committed £3m of funding to enable the return of a passenger and freight ferry service to mainland Europe something I am sure will further increase the attractiveness of the area to investment alongside the work being done by the Green Freeport and others. I am delighted to support Muir Scarborough in their efforts and will do everything I can to support future development in the area.”
Construction of Q1 50 is expected to follow completion of groundworks, subject to contract, with the unit anticipated to be available for occupation in 2027.
