The first STEM Starts Centre in Moray has officially opened in Elgin, marking a key milestone for the £4.8 million Early Years STEM (EY STEM) project within the Moray Growth Deal. The facility, delivered by main contractor Robertson Construction Northern, is based at Elgin Library.

Launched at a special event attended by children from local Early Learning and Childcare settings and primary schools, as well as representatives from Moray Council, Robertson and partner organisations, the centre is the first of three planned across Moray. It is designed to give children aged 3–8 early, hands-on experiences in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

Developed with early years professionals and STEM experts, the centre focuses on practical learning, industry-inspired activities and digital resources. Through the centre and a dedicated outreach service, the project aims to ensure children and educators across Moray can access engaging, inclusive STEM opportunities.

Ian Phillips, Regional Managing Director, Robertson Construction Northern, said: "We have worked with Moray Council across a wide range of projects over many years, with education playing a key part and the STEM Starts Centre gives young children the opportunity to explore and learn through practical, hands-on experiences. Targeting investment like this through the Moray Growth Deal helps deliver facilities that provide long term educational and economic benefit for communities across Moray."

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Business and Employment Minister Richard Lochhead said: "Our £32.5 million investment in the Moray Growth Deal aims to boost skills and employment opportunities across the region. This new centre is a brilliant example of what we can achieve when we work together with Moray Council and local partners.

"By sparking children's curiosity in science, technology, engineering and maths from an early age, we're helping to give young people in Moray the tools to thrive. This is about investing in Moray's future and ensuring local communities benefit from the jobs and opportunities that growth will bring."

Cllr Kathleen Robertson, Leader of Moray Council, says the opening represents a significant investment in the area's long-term future: "The launch of the STEM Starts Centre is a proud moment for Moray and a key milestone for the Moray Growth Deal. By engaging children with STEM learning from an early age, we are laying strong foundations for future skills, confidence and opportunity. This centre – alongside the outreach service – will help ensure that young people across Moray can access exciting, practical learning experiences that support aspiration and achievement."

Cllr Marc Macrae, Chair of Moray Council's Economic Development and Infrastructure Services Committee, highlighted the wider economic benefits: "STEM Starts is about more than education – it's about preparing Moray for the future. By connecting early years learning with real world skills and career pathways, this project helps build the talent pipeline that our local economy needs, particularly in high growth sectors such as technology, engineering and renewables."

The launch also formally introduced the EY STEM outreach service, which will work with educators, childcare providers and communities across Moray to extend access beyond the centre. The programme will support early years practitioners with resources, training and activities that bring STEM learning to life wherever children are based.

The EY STEM project is funded by £3.5 million from the Scottish Government and £1.3 million from Moray Council and is one of eight Moray Growth Deal projects currently underway.