Moray Council has announced that applications are due to open for a £1.2 million fund for transformational town centre projects.

The council is seeking applications for turning empty space in Elgin, Forres, Buckie, Lossiemouth and Keith, into living space. Grants of up to 50% of project costs, capped at £150,000, are available for structural works, replacement windows, re-wiring and creating new entrances to properties.

Proposals to install transport hubs in Buckie and Elgin are also being considered. The £25,000 Buckie proposal would see the construction of a bus stop bay facing north on Barhill Road, to improve passenger safety when boarding and disembarking from the bus.

Meanwhile in Elgin the bus station would be transformed into a travel hub, with improved access for pedestrians and vehicles. A PA system would be installed, external lighting enhanced, and replacement seating and canopy. It's estimated the works would cost £70,000, with match funding potentially identified from HiTrans and Stagecoach.

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Smaller settlements with a population of 1,000 or more, which includes Lhanbryde, Burghead, Hopeman, Dufftown, Kinloss, Cullen, Aberlour, Rothes, Portknockie, Findochty and Mosstodloch, are also eligible to apply for money from the fund.

Money is available for improvements to shop fronts, as well as the installation of digital smart systems, for example those monitoring footfall, road traffic, air quality and more.

Convener of Moray Council, Cllr Shona Morrison, said the aim of the fund is to breathe new life into town centres for the benefit of residents, visitors and the economy.

She continued: "What we want to see are transformational projects that will bring a real benefit to our town centres and settlements. This is a real opportunity for investment in Moray at no cost to the applicant nor the council. Any unspent money will have to be returned to the Scottish Government, so I'd encourage anyone thinking of applying to make sure they meet the application deadline of 21 June 2019."

Roadshows will take place across Moray in May where those interested in applying for a grant can attend and questions about eligibility and discuss potential projects.

Famous for its colony of dolphins, fabulous beaches and more malt whisky distilleries than any where else in Scotland, Moray is a thriving area and a great place to live. Nestling between Aberdeenshire and the Highlands, Moray stretches from Tomintoul in the south to the shores of the Moray Firth, from Keith in the east to Brodie Castle in the west.