The visit stemmed from discussions at the monthly Long-Term Town Plan meetings, which sparked STP’s interest in understanding how partnerships within Moray are driving transformation and economic growth to improve the region’s towns and communities.

It provided an opportunity to showcase and discuss investment, transformation and heritage conservation, with a focus on ensuring Moray’s towns are well-positioned for future growth. A representative from STP met with key local partners, including Moray Council officers, the chair and vice chair of the Elgin Town Board, Stagecoach and Police Scotland to explore opportunities for sharing best practices, fostering collaboration and securing further funding.

The visit began with a walk-through of Elgin town centre, where the STP representative and local stakeholders discussed key regeneration challenges and opportunities. This included a stop at South Street, where enabling works have begun on a new development featuring 38 affordable homes, Business Enterprise Hub, and retail spaces.

The group also visited the now-closed St. Giles Shopping Centre to consider the impact its closure has on the town centre. Additionally, they explored the former Gordon Arms Hotel, a key Levelling Up Fund project set to be transformed into a creative arts centre with pop-up retail and office space.

STP then travelled to Forres, where discussions centred on the Forres Conservation and Heritage Scheme, a project designed to preserve the town’s historic character while encouraging regeneration. They explored ways in which conservation efforts can contribute to community development, attract tourism, and support local businesses.

While in Forres, the STP representative visited Forres Town Hall and Forres Tolbooth, successful community asset transfers. These landmark buildings are being restored for local benefit, and discussions highlighted the positive impact of empowering communities to take ownership of key assets.

The visit continued with a tour of the Cultural Quarter, a key Moray Growth Deal project which is being funded by the Scottish Government, UK Government, Highlands and Islands Enterprise and Moray Council. The initiative aims to establish Moray as a dynamic cultural hub by investing in heritage, the creative industries, and public spaces. Discussions focused on how culture-led regeneration can stimulate economic growth, create jobs, and enhance the region’s identity.

As part of the visit, STP met with Stagecoach, Moray Council, and Police Scotland to discuss anti-social behaviour (ASB) in town centres and on public transport. The conversation focused on its impact on local businesses, residents, and transport providers, as well as collaborative solutions.

A key initiative highlighted was the Elgin Active Youth Engagement Bus, donated by Stagecoach and funded through the Elgin Long-Term Town Plan for an initial 12 months. This mobile resource will provide early intervention and support, helping to create safer public spaces within Elgin. Stagecoach has committed to refitting the bus based on consultations with young people and will provide ongoing maintenance to support its long-term success.

In addition, further exploration of the funding opportunities essential to Moray’s long-term regeneration took place. The Levelling Up Fund, a UK Government initiative, has awarded £18.3 million for the Elgin City Centre Masterplan, which includes the South Street regeneration, enhancing Cooper Park, the creation of a Creative Arts Centre and preparing the former sawmill site for commercial use.

Additionally, the Elgin Long-Term Town Plan has been allocated £20m of endowment-style funding, reinforcing a commitment to Elgin’s continued development. These substantial investments will play a key role in revitalising Elgin, and Moray as a whole, enhancing infrastructure, and creating a more vibrant and sustainable local economy.

Alongside these investments, the Moray Growth Deal is delivering over £100m in transformational funding across the region, supporting eight strategic projects to drive economic growth and innovation. This substantial investment will further strengthen Moray’s regeneration, enhancing infrastructure, creating jobs, and fostering a more vibrant and sustainable local economy.

Throughout the visit, discussions also touched on the broader challenges facing small towns, including vacant properties, declining footfall, and infrastructure needs, sharing insights on ways to address these issues and support more resilient and vibrant town centres.

Chair of Moray Council’s Economic Development and Infrastructure Services Committee, Councillor Marc Macrae, said: “It was great to see the Chief Officer of Scotland’s Towns Partnership visiting Moray to learn more about the projects we are supporting through the Long-Term Town Plan, Levelling Up Fund, Moray Growth Deal, and other initiatives.

“The visit was a valuable opportunity to highlight the investment being made across our towns and to share ideas on how we can continue to strengthen our local economy and communities. Engaging with national partners like the Scotland’s Towns Partnership allows us to share best practices and drive forward ambitious plans for the future.”

Scotland’s Town Partnership chief officer, Kimberly Guthrie, added: “Moray is demonstrating the power of collaboration, innovation and community - driven change in transforming our town centres. From the regeneration of South Street to the cultural and economic vibrancy of the high streets, it’s clear that a shared vision and strong partnerships are driving positive change.

“It was inspiring to see the commitment to social inclusion, in particular creating safe and engaging spaces for young people. By thinking differently about how we use public spaces, communities in Moray are shaping a model that can be replicated in other towns across Scotland.

“This is regeneration with purpose, and it is something that we at Scotland’s Towns Partnership are excited to follow and share in the years ahead.”

Chair of the Elgin Town Board, Jenny Urquhart, added: “Elgin Town Board is working hard to drive forward regeneration projects that benefit the town and the wider region. Having Scotland’s Towns Partnership visit and engage with local stakeholders helps to shine a spotlight on the progress we’re making and the challenges we still need to overcome. Collaboration at all levels is key to ensuring our town remains a vibrant and welcoming place for businesses, residents, and visitors alike.”