Moray MP Douglas Ross and Moray Council leader Kathleen Robertson say they are “absolutely delighted” that Moray has been given a funding boost of over £18 million from the UK Government.
The UK Government have confirmed Moray Council’s bid was one of the six successful bids from councils across Scotland in the third round of Levelling Up Funding.
In total, £18,291,000 has been awarded to the local authority for their plans, which are set to come to fruition in the coming years.
Douglas Ross says it is “further evidence” of the UK Government’s commitment to investing in Moray, given it comes only weeks after Elgin was one of seven Scottish towns earmarked to receive £20 million in funding for local towns.
He says the huge injection of funding from the UK Government as part of their levelling up strategy is extremely welcome, especially after Moray had missed out in previous rounds of funding.
Council leader Kathleen Robertson – who is also the Scottish Conservatives’ candidate for the new Moray West, Nairn and Strathspey seat the UK General Election – praised the work of council officials in ensuring the UK Government have given the green light to the bid.
She added that she hopes the SNP-Green government will welcome the funding and work constructively with Moray Council to ensure the benefits are felt by those living and working in Elgin and across Moray.
Moray MP Douglas Ross said: “I am absolutely delighted that this huge amount of funding has been awarded by the UK Government through the levelling-up funding.
“It comes hot on the heels of £20 million announced last month for Elgin as part of the UK Government’s plans to boost Scottish high streets, so this money will go a long way to helping to regenerate Elgin and the surrounding area.
“It is particularly pleasing that Moray Council’s bid has been successful, given the understandable disappointment when we missed out when previous funding was allocated. I met with UK Government Levelling Up Secretary Michael Gove to press the case for Moray to receive support in future rounds, and it is great news for Elgin and Moray that we have been able to achieve a positive outcome.
“The UK Government are fully committed to investing in all parts of our United Kingdom with this £18 million funding today further evidence of that and I will continue to push at every turn for money to come to communities right across Moray.
“I look forward to working with Moray Council and other stakeholders to boost our local economy and create new opportunities for local people, thanks to this UK Government funding.”
Moray Council leader and General Election candidate Kathleen Robertson added: “This is fantastic news for Elgin and my thanks go to all the council officials who worked so hard to ensure this bid would get the green light from the UK Government.
“Our council have bold and ambitious plans to regenerate our communities – including Elgin – and it is extremely welcome that has been recognised by the UK Government.
“I hope that the SNP-Green government will welcome this funding instead of criticising it. They have a huge opportunity to work constructively with us as a local authority to ensure that this funding – as well as the £20 million from their towns fund – benefits our local economy and ensures people are attracted to come and make Moray their home.”