Picture: Becky Saunderson. Image No.043896
APPLICATIONS are being invited from Buckie businesses to share in a £1.2 million town centre regeneration scheme. The sum is part of a wider £50 million pot made available by the Scottish Government to boost town centres across the country. Moray Council will welcome applications for turning empty space in Buckie, Forres, Elgin, Lossiemouth and Keith, into living space. Grants of up to 50 per cent of project costs, capped at £150,000, are available for structural works, replacement windows, re-wiring and creating new entrances to properties. Smaller settlements with a population of 1000 or more are also eligible to apply. Money is available for improvements to shop fronts, as well as the installation of digital smart systems, for example those monitoring footfall, road traffic, air quality and more.Roadshows will take place across Moray in May. Thursday, May 16 will see Cullen Community Centre host one from 4pm to 7pm while Buckie Town House upper hall will do likewise on Monday, May 20 running over the same times.
Also welcoming the news of the grants were Buckie councillors Sonya Warren, Tim Eagle and Gordon Cowie. “This funding could provide a kick-start to the economies of not just Buckie but so many other communities across Moray,” Councillor Warren said. “This is a huge boost thanks to the £50 million funding provided by the SNP Scottish Government. It brings with it massive potential for our town centres.” Councillor Eagle comm-
ented: “I warmly welcome the funding agreed today [Wednesday] which will see just over £1.2 million available for businesses across Moray to use towards town centre regeneration. “The council will be running roadshows to provide guidance and support so look out for further details soon. I urge local businesses to grasp this opportunity to get grant funding for capital works.” Councillor Cowie added: “It’s great to see a portion of this money coming to Buckie town centre and I would encourage all who are interested to take advantage to go to the drop-in session.”