The UK Government has been urged to “stump up the cash” to back a multi-million pound vision for the transformation of Moray.
During a visit to Ayrshire this week, Prime Minister Theresa May backed a bid for a city deal project to grow the amount of jobs in the region.
Last night Moray MSP Richard Lochhead repeated the north’s case for a similar pledge as “payback” for boosting the country’s economy through whisky exports.
Scottish Office minister Lord Duncan declared himself “impressed” with Moray’s proposals, entitled “innovation through tradition”, during a visit to region last year.
Mr Lochhead said: “We simply cannot be left behind while other cities and regions across the country get the investment they need.
“The Scottish Government has made it perfectly clear it is willing to support growth deals across the country. Moray’s campaign already has the backing of Walkers, Diageo and Stagecoach.
“The Treasury benefits hugely from Moray and Speyside as the home to scotch whisky and now it’s payback time. The UK Government must stump up the cash now.”
It is understood that Moray’s growth deal bid will include transport improvements in Elgin as well as other projects across the region.
The proposals are being drawn up as part of attempts to retain more young workers in the region.