Community vote confirms Coastal Fund awards across Moray
A range of local projects have been selected to receive a share of £133,000 from the Coastal Communities Fund, following a public vote.
Nine of the 15 applicants have been awarded grants from the fund, which supports projects that improve facilities, encourage tourism and help protect Moray’s coastal environment.
Almost 9,000 votes were cast on the new Moray Engage platform, with Lossiemouth West Beach car park topping the poll.
Each voter could cast only one ballot and had to select five projects, ensuring the results reflected priorities across Moray rather than individual areas.
Chair of Moray Council’s Economic Development and Infrastructure Services Committee, Cllr Marc Macrae, said: “The vote gave people a real voice in shaping the future of our coastal communities, and I’m very pleased at the level of participation we saw. Congratulations to the successful applications – it’s encouraging to see such a diverse mix of well-supported ideas that will benefit residents and visitors alike.”
The successful projects, and the grants they will receive are:
A Better Spey Bay Hall for Everyone – £2,975.80 (part-funding)
To support part of the hall’s improvement plans, including replacing fire doors and restoring the main floor.
Adventure By the Sea Festival (Outfit Moray) – £19,500
To deliver a new coastal festival celebrating outdoor activity, creativity and environmental learning.
Broch Selkies – £20,000
To provide beach wheelchairs, rollators and a weatherproof shelter, improving access to Burghead beach.
Lossie Fisheries & Community Museum – £15,948
To carry out essential repairs and improvements to help protect the building and enhance visits.
Lossiemouth West Beach Car Park – £20,000
To fund maintenance and improvements to the West Beach car park in Lossiemouth.
Portknockie Community Café – £18,750
To establish a volunteer-run community café reinvesting profits back into local activities.
Scottish Dolphin Centre – £12,771
To replace outdated equipment with energy-efficient alternatives, reducing emissions and running costs.
SurfABLE Scotland – £12,988.98
To buy specialist equipment that makes surfing and beach access possible for people of all abilities.
Wild Things: Blue Horizons – £10,247
To run an eight-week coastal programme helping young people explore, learn about and care for the marine environment.
For the full result of the vote, click here.