Moray Council has initiated a fresh round of funding for its Town Centre Capital Grant Scheme, designed to stimulate regeneration and foster business growth throughout the region's urban centres. The fund, managed by the Council, has secured a total of £141,239 from the UK Government, delivered through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

The grant scheme is accessible to eligible businesses, property owners, and tenants within the towns of Forres, Aberlour, Buckie, Dufftown, Elgin, Keith, and Lossiemouth. Its core objectives are to encourage the repurposing of vacant properties, provide support for both new and established businesses, and elevate the overall visual appeal of the town centres.

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Applicants can secure grants of up to £50,000, which will cover a maximum of 50% of eligible project costs. Crucially, successful applicants will be required to provide match-funding of at least 50% from the property owner or tenant.

The funding can be applied to a diverse range of projects. These include converting empty premises into residential or commercial spaces, facilitating moves to more suitable town centre properties, subdividing properties for multiple uses, supporting the launch of new businesses, or making significant improvements to shopfronts, signage, or external lighting.

Councillor Marc Macrae, Chair of Moray Council's Economic Development and Infrastructure Services, emphasised the scheme's importance. "This scheme is part of our continued commitment to supporting vibrant and resilient town centres across Moray. We're encouraging property owners and businesses to take advantage of this opportunity to invest in our communities, breathe new life into vacant spaces, and enhance the local environment for residents and visitors alike," he stated.

Applications for the scheme opened on Monday, 7 July 2025, and must be submitted by 17:00 on Friday, 29 August 2025.