A multimillion-pound funding package to boost Moray’s economy is poised to be agreed in the coming weeks.
Both UK and Scottish governments have previously indicated they were willing to invest a collective £65million as part of the Moray Growth Deal.
Now they have said they are prepared to sign a formal commitment as soon as possible, virtually if necessary, to allow more progress to be made on the project.
No confirmation of individual funding pledges has been announced yet but possible options include a “cultural quarter” in Elgin featuring a revamped town hall and Cooper Park, two new campuses for Moray College UHI and a new gas pipeline in the region.
Moray Council’s depute chief executive Rhona Gunn, who is leading work on the deal for the authority, stressed progress had not been delayed during the current coronavirus pandemic.
Council leader Graham Leadbitter added: “These projects will be transformational, seeing tens of millions of pounds invested over a sustained period and injecting new innovation into our local economy.
“Moray has an enormous amount to offer and the strong backing of both governments is a great endorsement of the work being done and sets the tone for economic recovery.”