Council approves shortlist of projects for Moray-wide Just Transition Fund bid
Moray Council has approved a shortlist of six major projects to be developed into a future funding bid to the Scottish Government’s North East Just Transition Fund.
The approval marks a significant step forward in securing investment to support Moray’s transition to a low carbon economy.
The projects, agreed by Full Council on Wednesday 28 January, are spread across Moray’s towns, rural areas and coast, and together form a coherent, Moray-wide programme focused on jobs, skills, community benefit and long-term economic resilience. Full details on the projects can be found online here.
The approved shortlist includes:
- Buckie Harbour Expansion, supporting offshore renewables and low-carbon marine industries on the Moray coast.
- Moray Natural Capital Enhancement and Skills Partnership, delivering large‑scale habitat restoration and green jobs across Moray’s river catchments and rural landscapes.
- Buildings for the Future, accelerating the delivery of affordable, energy efficient housing and regeneration in towns including Elgin, Forres and Buckie.
- Moray Community Solar, piloting community owned renewable energy using a nationally significant ‘virtual microgrid’ model near Burghead with the potential for replication across Moray.
- Green Energy and Employment Parks, unlocking low-carbon industrial and energy sites at Mosstodloch and Dallachy.
- Moray Hydrogen Transport Project, extending the North East Hydrogen Valley to support decarbonisation of heavy and public sector transport in Moray.
Together, the projects aim to support Moray’s workforce and communities as the region transitions away from carbon intensive industries, while building on local strengths such as engineering expertise, natural capital, ports, and established energy and manufacturing sectors.
Leader of Moray Council, Cllr Kathleen Robertson, said: “This is a significant milestone for Moray. These projects reflect the scale of both the challenge and the opportunity we face as our economy transitions towards net zero. Importantly, the shortlisted proposals are rooted in communities across Moray and are focused on creating real, long-term benefits through jobs, skills, improved infrastructure and sustainable growth.
“By working in partnership with local organisations, businesses and communities, we are positioning Moray strongly to secure investment that supports a fair and inclusive transition, where no one and no place is left behind. These are the key factors we impressed upon the Cabinet Secretary and other elected representatives when we met with them recently to discuss our bid. The positive feedback from the Cabinet Secretary about the engagement undertaken and the merit they saw in all projects showed how receptive the Scottish Government is to our shortlist.”
Following Council approval, officers will now work closely with project partners and stakeholders to further develop detailed business cases, delivery plans and key performance measures for each project.
This work will form a cohesive, Moray-wide bid to the Just Transition Fund once the Scottish Government confirms the next application window and funding arrangements. Officers will continue to engage with the Scottish Government, Moray’s MPs and MSPs, and local communities to ensure Moray’s needs and priorities are fully reflected as the fund evolves.
Moray Council will provide updates as the projects progress and as further information becomes available on the next stage of the Just Transition Fund.