One year on since JC’s Elgin move: A year of collaboration, community, and commitment

One year on since JC’s Elgin move: A year of collaboration, community, and commitment
By Scott Dunbar, Business Advisory Partner and Elgin Office Head at Johnston Carmichael

Just over a year ago, Johnston Carmichael moved to our new premises at Elgin Business Park - a move that marked far more than a change of address. It was a clear statement of our long-term commitment to Moray and the Highlands, a region whose profile, investment levels, and economic prospects have never been stronger.

This part of Scotland has long been home to world-class industries - from food & drink to tourism and energy - but in recent years, the pace of growth has accelerated dramatically. The awarding of Inverness and Cromarty Firth Green Freeport status is a game-changing development, unlocking opportunities in construction, civil engineering, hospitality, tourism, manufacturing, and beyond.

A year on from our move, the transformation around us is unmistakable. Town-centre regeneration, strategic infrastructure upgrades, and targeted investment are reshaping Moray’s economy. The £100 million Moray Growth Deal is already delivering projects in affordable housing, innovation hubs, STEM education, digital health, and cultural development. The South Street regeneration - backed by the Levelling Up Fund - is breathing new life into the heart of Elgin with new homes, business space, and revitalised public areas.

Major infrastructure projects, such as the SSE grid upgrades, are reinforcing the region’s pivotal role in Scotland’s energy transition, creating an environment where ambitious organisations can grow with confidence.

At Johnston Carmichael, we see it as our responsibility to help businesses across all sectors make the most of this moment. Our Elgin office was designed with that purpose in mind - a collaborative, open-plan space where our team can share knowledge, solve challenges quickly, and deliver the high-quality advice our clients expect. The feedback from our people has been clear: this new space has strengthened collaboration, improved communication, and energised our work. Just as importantly, it has become a hub for the wider business community.

Over the past year, we have hosted events that bring leaders together, spark ideas, and share valuable insight because momentum on this scale presents a rare, cross-sector opportunity. From agriculture and retail to technology, professional services, and the third sector, the challenge now is to ensure growth is sustainable and its benefits widely shared.

Our commitment extends beyond business. We welcome community groups and organisations to use our office space because lasting economic success depends on strong community foundations. By connecting people from across business, industry, and civic life, we can help ensure Moray and the Highlands continue to thrive.

Johnston Carmichael has been part of Moray’s business landscape since 1936. As we approach our 90th anniversary in 2026, our commitment to this region is stronger than ever. We are proud to stand alongside the businesses and communities driving growth, especially as national and international attention focuses on the opportunities here.

And one year on from our move, we are better connected, more visible, and equipped to help local businesses embrace growth and investment with confidence. The spotlight is firmly on Moray and the Highlands, and we are here for the long term, ready to ensure its businesses have the insight, guidance, and support to turn potential into lasting success.