Successful Moray Coastal Communities Fund 2026 projects confirmed following public vote

The successful projects have been awarded funding through Crown Estate Scotland’s Coastal Communities Fund 2026, which supports initiatives that help strengthen, protect and enhance Moray's coastal communities. 

Following the close of voting on Friday 9 May, all votes were carefully verified. Duplicate votes, votes where fewer than five projects were selected, and votes submitted after the deadline were removed before the final results were confirmed. 

A total of five projects have been awarded funding administered by Moray Council, with one project receiving a partial award to allow a scaled-down version of its proposal to proceed. 

The successful projects are: 

• Water Safety Project – Outfit Moray: £19,800 (full grant) 

• Hopeman East Beach Dune Protection Project – Hopeman Community Association: £13,754 (full grant) 

• Moray Shore & Sea Clean Collective – Burghead Sub Aqua Club: £12,690 (full grant) 

• Lossie West Beach Coastal Protection and Access Repair – Lossie Community Development Trust: £50,000 (full grant) 

• Sea Sense Moray – Tide School – Tide School CIC: £3,756 (partial grant) 
  While the original application requested £15,000, the funding awarded will enable the project to deliver coastal learning courses in five coastal primary schools. 

Councillor Marc Macrae, Chair of Moray Council's Economic Development and Infrastructure Committee, said: “The Coastal Communities Fund gives local people a direct say in how funding is invested in projects that matter to them and their communities. The range of successful projects this year demonstrates the passion and commitment of organisations working to improve and protect Moray's coastline. 

“From coastal protection and environmental initiatives to water safety and education, these projects will deliver lasting benefits for local people and visitors alike. I'd like to thank everyone who took part in the Moray Engage vote and congratulate all of this year's successful applicants.” 

Mike Spain, Director of Aquaculture & Marine Ecosystem Services for Crown Estate Scotland, said: “We are delighted that the community projects valued most by people in Moray are sharing in this latest round of funding, ensuring that local priorities are addressed.   

“Since 2017, more than £900,000 has been provided to Moray Council as a result of marine activities overseen by Crown Estate Scotland. As we continue to provide support for coastal communities around Scotland, we are determined to ensure such revenue will continue to benefit the people of Moray and elsewhere.” 

The Coastal Communities Fund is supported through revenue generated from Crown Estate Scotland's marine assets. The fund helps projects with a clear connection to Moray’s coast or sea and within 12 nautical miles of Moray’s coastline to deliver projects that support local priorities and make a positive difference to these communities. 

Successful and unsuccessful applicants have been notified directly of the outcome of their applications. 

Coastal Communities Fund 2026 Awards 

Total awarded: £100,000.