Moray partnership helps secure £65m Growth Deal for the area
Deal described as "a game changer" for Moray over the next 10-to-15 years
Last updated 11th Jul 2019
Moray’s economy is set to be transformed as the region celebrates securing £65 million for its Growth Deal.
Theresa May's deputy, David Lidington, and Scottish Government Minister for Further Education, Higher Education and Science, Richard Lochhead, announced the first round of funding during a visit to Moray College.
What it means, is a contribution of £32.5 million each from the UK and Scottish Governments – is set to be bolstered with further funding from regional and private sector partners.
It'll contribute to promoting skills development, energy, culture and tourism, as well as improving connectivity and productivity across the region.
Projects to be pursued under the Growth Deal will be confirmed later this year, as part of the heads of terms agreement. Under discussion are the creation of additional hubs for Moray College that will focus on business enterprise, innovation and advanced technologies, to support emerging sectors in aerospace and aviation, as well as more traditional industries.
Speaking to MFR News, local MP Douglas Ross says those developments will be announced in the coming months:
Also in the pipeline is the development of a Cultural Quarter in Elgin, a dynamic and vibrant area for both tourists and residents showcasing the abundance of Moray’s quality offering in food, drink and textiles, as well as signposting visitors to attractions and activities across the area.
Leader of Moray Council, Councillor Graham Leadbitter, said today’s announcement demonstrates national confidence in Moray’s economic future, and paves the way for attracting further investment.
“This is the moment we’ve been waiting for since the idea of a Growth Deal for Moray was first floated"
“Today’s commitment by the UK and Scottish Governments to Moray’s future follows a huge show of support by representatives from across our business and civic quarters, as well as from major industry players, the military, tourism and education sectors. Moray is a wonderfully attractive place to live, work, study and visit and the whole purpose of the Growth Deal is to maximise the desirability of our region"
“This announcement is the most critical milestone to date and what we, as a Moray partnership, have been working so hard to achieve. In the coming months we’ll be progressing the detailed business cases to reach a final ‘heads of terms’, when the total value of the deal, including all the public and private sector contributions are known.”
Highlands and Islands Enterprise Area Manager for Moray, Donna Chisholm, said today’s funding announcement will be welcomed by businesses and residents who’ve contributed their ideas to the Deal.
“The public consultation undertaken as part of this deal has been hugely influential in developing the proposed projects, including a greater emphasis on job creation, education, businesses, leisure and recreation facilities.”