Moray Council re-opens grant scheme supporting town centres
Moray Council has launched a new round of funding through the Town Centre Capital Grant Scheme to support regeneration and business growth across town centres in the region.
The fund administered by Moray Council, has received a total of £141,239 from the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
The scheme is open to eligible businesses and property owners or tenants in Forres, Aberlour, Buckie, Dufftown, Elgin, Keith and Lossiemouth. The grants are to encourage the reuse of vacant buildings, support new and existing businesses, and enhance the visual appeal of town centres.
Grants of up to £50,000 are available, covering up to 50% of eligible project costs. Match-funding of at least 50% will be needed from the property owner or tenant.,
Funding can support projects including converting empty properties into residential or business use; moving to more suitable town centre properties; sub-dividing a property for multiple uses; starting a new business; or making improvements to shopfronts, signage, or external lighting.
Moray Council’s Chair of Economic Development and Infrastructure Services, Cllr Marc Macrae said: "This scheme is part of our continued commitment to supporting vibrant and resilient town centres across Moray. We’re encouraging property owners and businesses to take advantage of this opportunity to invest in our communities, breathe new life into vacant spaces, and enhance the local environment for residents and visitors alike."
Applications open from 7 July 2025 and must be submitted by 5pm on 29 August 2025. Guidance and the application form is available online.
Application form and Guidance Notes
What Town Centres are eligible?
Forres, Aberlour, Buckie, Dufftown, Elgin, Keith and Lossiemouth.
Town Centres Maps with Boundaries:
Forres Aberlour Buckie Dufftown Elgin Keith Fife Keith Lossiemouth.
What funding is available?
The scheme offers grants of up to 50% of the eligible costs so the grant awarded would be up to a maximum of £50,000 or 50% of the eligible costs, whichever is the lesser amount, therefore match-funding of at least 50% will be required from the property owner or tenant.
What can the funding be spent on?
The purpose of the funding is to support existing and new businesses, encourage the redevelopment and reuse of vacant properties to support town centre living and improve the attractiveness of the town centres.
Moray Council is welcoming grant applications that meet the criteria in any of the following 5 categories:
Transforming Empty Space (eg converting empty property into residential* or business space within a Town Centre)
Support businesses to relocate to an alternative vacant property (increasing or decreasing capacity) within a Town Centre
To support sub-division or expansion of existing buildings within a Town Centre (eg split one large shop into two smaller shops or expansion of current premises)
To support new business start-up within a Town Centre
To support businesses to make improvements to shopfronts, properties, signage (eg heritage signage on walls and lanes) and external lighting (eg decorative and security lighting) within a Town Centre to improve the attractiveness of the business and encourage people to shop local and to create greater footfall
* In some town centres converting to residential on a ground floor will not be acceptable.
How can I apply for funding?
To apply, please complete the application form at top of this page (once completed please make sure you save this form onto your computer) and send it to localdevelopmentplan@moray.gov.uk or post it to Strategic Planning and Development, Room 217, Moray Council HQ, High St, Elgin, Moray, IV30 1BX by Friday 29 August 2025.
Please feel free to get in touch if you would like anymore information.
21/11/2023
Town Centres Development Manager Appointed
Moray Chamber of Commerce is thrilled to announce and extend a warm welcome to Anna Rogers, who has recently joined the team as our Town Centres Development Manager. Anna brings with her a wealth of experience and enthusiasm for community engagement and business acumen.
Anna will be working on behalf of the Town Centres Task Force to support the improvement and regeneration of Moray's Town Centres. Her role will be pivotal in fostering collaboration and driving initiatives that enhance the vibrancy and sustainability of our local town centres.
Sarah Medcraf CE of Moray Chamber of Commerce said: “I am delighted Anna has joined this journey to support with improving Moray. Her experience, knowledge and connections make her perfect for this role and her already infectious positive attitude will encourage change.”
The Town Centres Task Force aims to improve living, working, and visiting in Moray’s main towns – Aberlour, Buckie, Dufftown, Elgin, Forres, Keith & Lossiemouth. Moray Chamber of Commerce encourages all members and town centre businesses to reach out and welcome Anna.
Let's work together to make Moray's Town Centres even more vibrant and prosperous.
