Highlands and Islands Enterprise has surveyed more than 600 Moray residents in an effort to prevent people from leaving the region.
The development agency quizzed hundreds of locals aged between 15 and 30 on why they might want to depart, and on what moves could be made to persuade them to stay.
The findings will be used to shape a new policy on how to improve the area so that more young people choose to live here, rather than seeking their fortunes further afield.
The 630 respondents were generally positive about Moray’s educational opportunities, but more are eager to leave than those living across the Highlands and Islands.
The survey found that 45% of the young people questioned described themselves as “committed” to departing, above the regional average of 40%.
The highest proportion of those “committed” to leaving were found in east Moray, with 58% of young people saying they are determined to vacate the area.
Those looking to leave Moray generally do so to seek educational and career opportunities in other parts of the country.
Despite this, some young people did reflect positively on the further education offered by the University of the Highlands and Islands at Moray College.
More than six in ten rated the offerings as “good”, and nearly seven in ten view studying locally as a real possibility.
Respondents were also asked about how they view their communities, and answered questions on employment, housing, transport, arts, culture and leisure.
Highlands and Islands Enterprise’s Moray area manager, David Oxley, said improving education could help retain the region’s young minds.
He said: “It is encouraging that young people in Moray generally regard further and higher education well.
“Access to good quality post-school education helps young people seek access to skills and careers locally, and this helps retain them in the longer term.”
