Funds up to £100m to boost north east economy

A growth deal for Moray has been agreed with up to £100 million of investment in the region over the next 10 to 15 years.

The Moray Growth Deal aims to invest in projects to boost economic development with an estimated 450 jobs created by the scheme.

The UK and Scottish governments have agreed to each invest up to £32.5m, with a possible £35.8m coming from the public, as well as third sector and private businesses.

Having been signed by Scotland minister Iain Stewart, the Scottish Government’s transport secretary Michael Matheson and the leader of Moray Council Graham Leadbitter, the growth deal partners have now announced some of the successful business cases that will receive funding.

Mr Stewart revealed that the Grant Lodge visitor attraction in Elgin, a manufacturing innovation base for Moray and a digital health and care project at Moray College were among those to be awarded a share of the investment.

Depute chief executive of Moray Council and lead officer for the Moray Growth Deal, Rhona Gunn, said: “I and everyone else will be rolling up our sleeves to deliver this vision for Moray’s future prosperity.”