Elgin Neighbourhood Board hosts public event to help shape Regeneration Plan

The Elgin Neighbourhood Board has organised a public event for Saturday 12 July 2025 from 10am to 2pm to help shape the future of the town through the development of the Elgin Regeneration Plan.

Hosted on the Plainstones in the heart of the town centre, the event will spotlight a new era of community-led investment and local ambition, made possible through the UK Government’s Plan for Neighbourhoods. The Board will be gathering feedback and ideas from the community to help finalise the plan before it is submitted for approval.

Elgin is one of just seven towns in Scotland selected to receive £20 million in endowment-style funding through this initiative, which replaces the previous Long-Term Plan for Towns. Funding will be distributed over 10 years from 2026/27, supporting projects that aim to revitalise neighbourhoods, improve local services, and strengthen community resilience.

Much of the groundwork for this plan was laid in 2024, when extensive community engagement helped shape the original Elgin Long Term Town Plan. While the programme has since been rebranded and updated following a change in UK Government, the Elgin Neighbourhood Board (formerly the Elgin Town Board) is building on that foundation.

One of the key initiatives being celebrated at the launch is the Elgin Active Youth Engagement (AYE) Bus. This innovative mobile resource has been donated by Stagecoach and funded through the original Elgin Long-Term Town Plan for an initial 12 months. It will provide early intervention and support, helping to create safer public spaces within Elgin.

Stagecoach has refitted the bus based on discussions with young people, and will provide ongoing maintenance to support its long-term success. The AYE Bus will be available to explore during the 12 July event, offering a first-hand look at this dynamic, youth-focused initiative.

There will also be a chance to have a first look at memorabilia from Elgin’s much-loved South Street venues, such as the Jailhouse’s electric chair and signage from Junners. Items are set to be auctioned off by Robertson Property Ltd, with 100% of proceeds donated to the children’s ward at Dr Gray’s Hospital in Elgin. A meaningful way for the community to celebrate its cultural heritage while supporting a vital local service.

This special launch event will also showcase the range of regeneration projects currently being delivered through the Levelling Up Fund and Moray Growth Deal, reflecting the collaborative momentum driving Elgin’s transformation. It will offer residents a chance to see progress in action, connect with key partners, and help shape what comes next.
In addition to the displays and consultations, the event will feature a range of family-friendly activities and entertainment.

Moray Council Leader, Cllr Kathleen Robertson, said: “This event is an opportunity to demonstrate how we’re turning long-term ambition into real, positive change for Elgin. It’s about building on the ideas already shared by our communities and making sure future investment is shaped by local needs. The Elgin Regeneration Plan will only succeed if it reflects the voices, needs and aspirations of the people who live and work here. But it isn’t just about Elgin, this is about delivering change and prosperity for the whole of Moray I encourage everyone to come along on 12 July to have your say on what that looks like.”

Jenny Urquhart, Elgin Neighbourhood Board Chair, added: “This is a plan that’s being shaped by the people of Elgin, and the event on 12 July is a key step in that process. It’s a chance to celebrate what’s already happening, like the launch of the AYE Bus, and to continue the conversation about what our town needs for the future. The Board is committed to making sure every voice is heard and every part of the community benefits from this long-term investment.”

David Beaton, Managing Director, Stagecoach North Scotland, said: "We're excited to be part of this important moment for Elgin and proud to support the Regeneration Plan through initiatives like the AYE Bus.  This project is a great example of how transport can play a wider role in supporting communities, not just by connecting people, but by creating spaces where young people feel safe, supported and heard.  We look forward to seeing the AYE Bus in action at the event and continuing to work with our partners to help deliver lasting, positive change for Elgin." 

Following the launch, further engagement will take place over summer 2025 to make sure the revised Elgin Regeneration Plan reflects both past input and new priorities.
To learn more about the Elgin Regeneration Plan visit the My Moray website.