The Link community hub to celebrate first anniversary
A popular community hub in New Elgin is marking its first anniversary this week, celebrating twelve months of growing local involvement, collaboration and activity.
The Link, based on Southfield Drive, first opened its doors in November 2024 following months of planning with residents, the Moray Pathways Local Employability Partnership (LEP) and the New Elgin Community Plan.
Over the past year, the hub has grown rapidly into a well-used space supporting people of all ages.
What began as a daytime drop-in has expanded into a varied programme of activities, from youth creative arts to craft groups, family sessions and adult education. Several new community groups have formed as a direct result of the space, including Knit n Natter and Family Fun Time – a family drop-in, alongside emerging groups such as Butterflies and Linkwood Primary 7.
Established organisations like the Brownies and community services such as Moray Pathways now make regular use of the space.
The hub also plays an increasing role in supporting local families, offering community and family drop-ins, ASN pupil support and access to resources that were previously unavailable in the area. A community larder is also being developed, further expanding the support on offer.
More than a dozen local volunteers now helping to run the hub and shape its future direction. A dedicated steering group called Friends of the Link, formed during the early planning stages, continues to guide its development and ensure activities reflect local needs.
Chair of Moray Council’s Education, Communities and Children’s Services Committee, Cllr Kathleen Robertson, said the anniversary represents an important milestone. “The opening of this new space last year was the culmination of a lot of hard work from the LEP and the New Elgin Community Plan. It’s wonderful to see that vision not only realised but thriving. The Link has become a place where people of all ages can gather, connect and engage in meaningful activities.”