Moray tourism boosted by over £360,000 VisitScotland funding

The award contributes to the Coast to Country project total cost of £685,468, which is part of the Moray-wide staycation programme.

The project will create a network of upgraded facilities across the region to contribute to tourism and relieve pressure on local beauty spots, particularly from growth in the motorhome sector, which has been accelerated due to the covid-19 pandemic.

Chair of Moray Council’s Economic Development and Infrastructure Services Committee, Cllr Graham Leadbitter, said: “This input from VisitScotland is very much welcome as we transform our tourism offering in Moray to ensure sustainability in our burgeoning visitor market.

“The creation of new facilities and upgrading existing ones will be hugely beneficial to the local economy and provides the support communities in Moray have asked for in recent years. I look forward to seeing the enhancements take shape as we welcome visitors to magnificent Moray.”

The project in Moray is delivered in partnership between Moray Council; Visit Moray Speyside Tourism Business Improvement District; Highlands & Islands Enterprise; the Findhorn Village Conservation Company; the Three Kings Cullen Association; and Friends of Ben Rinnes supported by Seafield & Glenrinnes Organic Estates.

The project will provide:

• New motorhome overnight facility in Cullen.
• Motorhome parking at Ballindalloch and Craigellachie.
• Upgrade and reopening of two toilet blocks in Findhorn and one new toilet block in Ballindalloch.
• New car park with upgraded foot path to the iconic Bow Fiddle Rock, Portknockie.
• Car park enhancements at Ben Rinnes, Ballindalloch, Hopeman and Craigellachie.
• Electric vehicle charging points at Craigellachie, Hopeman, Cullen, Bow Fiddle Rock and Ballindalloch.
• Signage and visitor number counters at all seven sites.

The full VisitScotland announcement is available online.