Moray Council has hailed strong progress in attracting external finance to underpin regeneration, coastal improvements and local economic growth across the area.

An update to the Economic Development and Infrastructure Services Committee on 16 June 2026 outlined significant funding wins and next steps that are improving facilities, supporting jobs and revitalising town centres without adding pressure to core budgets.

More than £3.1 million of fresh applications are being prepared for the Regeneration Capital Grant Fund to back major community-led projects in Dufftown and Forres. The council intends to act as lead applicant for the Dufftown Clock Tower redevelopment and the transformation of Leanchoil Hospital into a health and wellbeing hub.

In Forres, a £3.3 million Conservation and Heritage Scheme has moved into its delivery phase, supporting building repairs, public space upgrades and community heritage activity around the town.

Through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, £4.315 million was delivered between 2022 and 2025, with a further £1.415 million extending support for projects through to September 2026. Additional bids are being progressed to enhance walking and cycling routes, upgrade visitor facilities and grow sustainable tourism, with further funding decisions pending.

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The council confirmed that £133,180.78 has already been awarded to nine initiatives in the first round of the Moray Coastal Communities Fund, with £170,707.94 secured for 2025/26. Around £100,000 will be distributed in a new round this summer, with the remaining balance reserved for future strategic investment.

Round One awards were: Portknockie Community café fit-out (£18,750); Scottish Dolphin Centre upgrades (£12,771); Burghead Selkies accessibility project (£20,000); Spey Bay Hall doors upgrade, part grant (£2,975.80); Wild Things coastal activities (£10,247); Lossiemouth West Beach car park study (£20,000); SurfABLE Scotland accessible vehicle (£12,988.98); Outfit Moray seaside festival (£19,500); and Lossie Fisheries Museum improvements (£15,948).

A second round of the Coastal Communities Fund will open in summer 2026, offering grants of up to £50,000 for projects that improve coastal areas, support climate action and strengthen communities.

Committee members stressed that key risks will be carefully managed, including potential funding uncertainty, match funding requirements and delivery capacity, to ensure projects are completed successfully.

Cllr Marc Macrae, chair of the Economic Development and Infrastructure Services Committee, said: "This report shows the real difference external funding is making in Moray. From improving our town centres and coastline to supporting jobs and community projects, these investments are helping create stronger, more resilient communities.

"We're particularly pleased to see new funding opportunities coming forward, while also making the most of the resources already secured to deliver lasting benefits across Moray."

Current programme values include: Regeneration Capital Grant Fund applications of around £3.1 million (proposed); Coastal Communities Fund 2025/26 allocation of £170,707.94 (active, with the next round planned); Forres Conservation & Heritage Scheme at £3.3 million (in delivery); UK Shared Prosperity Fund totalling £4.315 million plus a £1.415 million extension (delivering to September 2026); and a £29,950 bid to the Rural Tourism Infrastructure Fund (decision pending).

Next steps include submitting regeneration funding bids by June 2026, launching Coastal Communities Fund Round Two in summer 2026, and continuing delivery of the Forres heritage scheme and UKSPF projects.