North East of Scotland: 3 new Investment Zone tax sites

Three areas in Aberdeen and Peterhead will receive special tax site status from 26 February 2026. They sit within the North East of Scotland Investment Zone and unlock specific tax reliefs for activity that happens inside the mapped boundaries. (gov.uk)

Where are they? The three sites are Aberdeen Energy Transition Zone, Peterhead Port and Peterhead Upperton. HMRC’s site notes the Aberdeen area runs along the south‑eastern approach to the city within East Tullos and Altens by Port of Aberdeen South Harbour, while the Peterhead sites cover the bay and the town’s southern edge near the A90. (gov.uk)

Let’s pin down the terms we’re using. An Investment Zone special tax site is a legally defined patch of land where qualifying spending and hiring can benefit from enhanced reliefs. HMRC’s policy note ties these designations to section 113 of the Finance Act 2021 and explains the reliefs available across the programme. (gov.uk)

For kit and equipment, companies can claim a 100% first‑year allowance on qualifying new plant and machinery that is primarily for use in the tax site. You claim in your company tax return for the period the spending happens, and the window runs from the date the site is designated up to 30 September 2034, provided the detailed conditions are met. (gov.uk)

For buildings, the rules are different. The enhanced structures and buildings allowance is 10% a year on qualifying non‑residential construction or renovation in a tax site, compared with 3% outside. That means £1 million of qualifying spend could be relieved at £100,000 a year for ten years rather than £30,000 a year over roughly thirty‑three years, if the timing tests are met and the asset is brought into use by 30 September 2034. (gov.uk)

The payroll side matters too. Employers with premises inside a special tax site can apply a 0% rate of secondary Class 1 National Insurance for eligible new employees for 36 months, up to the Investment Zone Upper Secondary Threshold. Roles must start by 30 September 2034 and the employee should spend at least 60% of their working time in one tax site to qualify. (gov.uk)

Maps are part of the law in this space. There is an overview map showing the outer boundary of each Investment Zone, and separate high‑resolution maps for each of the tax sites. Sites are formally “live” when the statutory instrument comes into force, and that is when reliefs start to apply. (gov.uk)

If you’re learning this for class or planning a project, treat it like a source‑reading exercise. Start with the effective date-26 February 2026 for the North East of Scotland-then trace the boundary on the tax site map and check whether any planned spend or roles sit inside it during the relief window. (gov.uk)

For local firms, a practical sequence helps: confirm your address against the HMRC map, record how assets and staff time are primarily tied to the site, and plan build and purchase dates so they fall within the rules. When in doubt, check HMRC guidance or speak to a qualified adviser.

Zooming out, HMRC describes Investment Zone tax sites as places intended to bring investment, trade and jobs. New maps are added as sites are designated, so always check the official pages before you budget or announce timelines. (gov.uk)