Moray Council has launched an Emergency Business Support Grant to assist businesses affected by the closure of the St. Giles Centre in Elgin.
The grant aims to help businesses relocate, refurbish, and adjust their operations within the town centre, ensuring they can continue trading and contributing to the local economy.
The initiative is backed by £250,000 from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, with individual grants of up to £15,000 available per business.
The funding was secured under the Communities and Place investment priority and approved by the Moray Economic Partnership.
Developed by the Multi-Agency Emergency Task Force, which was formed in response to the closure announcement on 8 January, the grant scheme is part of a broader strategy to minimise disruption and retain economic activity within the town centre.
The grant programme will be administered by Moray Council, with businesses that were based in the St. Giles Centre at the time of its closure being contacted directly and provided with application forms.
Anna Rogers, Town Centre Task Force Officer, employed by Moray Chamber of Commerce and funded through the UKSPF, will provide dedicated support to applicants.
The priority is to keep businesses within Elgin town centre, preventing a decline in footfall and preserving jobs in the area.
A collaborative effort is underway to support affected businesses, with representatives from Moray Council, the Federation of Small Businesses, Skills Development Scotland, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, Elgin BID, Moray Chamber of Commerce, Business Gateway, and local MPs and MSPs all involved.
Support sessions have been organised, and steps are being taken to match businesses with available premises.
Additional initiatives, such as Elgin’s Comfort Scheme, which enhances visitor facilities, are also being promoted to sustain economic activity.
Councillor Marc Macrae, Chair of Moray Council’s Economic Development and Infrastructure Services Committee, acknowledged the difficulties faced by affected businesses and emphasised the importance of this funding in helping them continue trading within the town centre.
He urged all eligible businesses to apply for the grant and take full advantage of the support available.
Angela Norrie, manager of Elgin BID, highlighted the challenges businesses are facing and welcomed the grant as a crucial step in ensuring affected businesses can find a way forward.
She stressed that this initiative is not just about financial support but about securing the future of Elgin’s high street and ensuring businesses have the guidance and resources they need to stay in the town centre.
Moray Chamber of Commerce Chief Executive, Sarah Medcraf, described the closure of the St. Giles Centre as a significant challenge for the affected businesses.
She emphasised that the grant will provide vital financial assistance to help businesses relocate, adapt, and safeguard jobs.
She called for collective action to sustain Elgin’s town centre and encouraged all eligible businesses to apply.
The UK Shared Prosperity Fund is a key part of the UK Government’s Levelling Up agenda, aimed at improving pride in place and enhancing life chances through investment in communities, local businesses, and skills development.
For the affected businesses in Elgin, this grant represents an opportunity to rebuild, adapt, and secure their future within the town centre.
Applications are open now, and businesses are encouraged to apply without delay.
 For more information, visit https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-shared-prosperity-fund-prospectus
