Communities across Moray were today encouraged to take the lead and build a bright future with the help of a £4m fund.

Richard Lochhead, Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, announced the Scottish Government's allocation of £1.84m towards the local LEADER programme - a £4m initiative to empower communities to address local needs, build dynamic economies and improve quality of life and environments.

Successful projects in previous funding rounds have seen improvements made to rural transport links, the creation of employment and training opportunities, enhancements to tourism and recreational facilities, childcare facilities and projects to improve the quality of life of elderly and vulnerable groups.

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Launching the programme during a rural development seminar in Elgin Town Hall, Mr Lochhead said: "Despite the turbulence affecting major economies, communities the length and breadth of Scotland are pushing forward with innovative ideas which will improve community life and help ensure we are in the best place possible to bounce back from current difficulties.

"This £4 million programme for Moray will help to do just that. It will encourage local groups to identify needs and devise solutions which will make a real difference to the quality of life of people living in this rural area."

(GK/JM)