11.07.19
Moray Growth Deal awarded ‘transformative’ £65m package by UK and Scottish governments
The UK and Scottish governments have announced a £65m investment as part of the Moray Growth Deal in order to help unlock the region’s economic potential.
The deputy prime minister David Lidington and Scottish minister for further education, higher education and science Richard Lochhead jointly announced the first round of funding for the deal as part of a visit to Moray College.
Both governments will contribute £32.5m to the region, and this investment is set to be bolstered with further funding from regional and private sector partners.
The growth deal will support a range of activity under priority themes proposed by Moray Council.
The deal, launched in 2017, has been heralded as a “game-changer” for Moray and will focus on employability and skills programmes, manufacturing innovation, tourism and digital connectivity.
Lidington stated: “This transformative package of support will boost the region’s economy by helping to attract and retain people to live and work in the area.
“These deals are a key part of the UK Government’s long-standing commitment to invest directly in Scotland’s future. They give communities the financial backing to develop projects that place Scotland at the forefront of innovation, technology and connectivity.
“As we work alongside the Scottish Government and local partners, this deal will help unlock the region’s economic potential for inclusive growth including supporting local services and attracting businesses.”
Lochhead said the growth deal will make a “real lasting difference” to the future of the region and inject more confidence into the local economy, and create new high-value jobs.
He commented: “I am grateful to Moray Council and all their partners for their hard work in getting to this stage, and I recognise the important involvement of the community in developing the deal proposals.
“We will continue our dialogue with our Moray partners on projects that will have a transformative effect on the Moray economy. We will announce a Heads of Terms agreement as soon as possible, which will specify which projects will be supported by this significant joint investment.”