A group of Elgin businesses once housed in the St Giles Centre are now thriving in new locations across the town.
Their revival has been made possible by a Business Support Grant delivered by Moray Council.
The grant was created to help businesses forced out by the closure of the St Giles Centre earlier this year.
It focused on keeping firms in the town centre and providing financial support for relocation, refurbishment, and operational costs.
The scheme was set up by the Multi-Agency Emergency Task Force, which was formed when the centre’s closure was announced on 8 January 2025.
The goal was to reduce disruption and keep Elgin’s economic heart beating.
Funding came from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and received the backing of the Moray Economic Partnership.
Several displaced businesses have now reopened and are welcoming customers once more.
Among them is Fab Brows Bar, now open at 77 High Street, Elgin, still offering expert brow and beauty treatments.
Box Brand, known for its custom clothing and merchandising, has found a new home at 15 Harrow Inn Close.
Asher’s Bakery continues to serve its much-loved fresh baked goods from 55 High Street.
Moray School Bank has moved into 4 Lossie Wynd and is continuing to support local families.
Ramsdens, offering a mix of financial services and retail goods, is now based at 12 Batchen Street.
Councillor Marc Macrae, Chair of the Economic Development and Infrastructure Services Committee, welcomed the success.
He said the St Giles Centre closure was a serious challenge for local traders.
He praised the grant scheme for enabling so many to bounce back quickly and find new premises.
He added that the businesses remain an essential part of Elgin’s retail and service landscape.
The UK Shared Prosperity Fund is a key part of the UK Government’s Levelling Up agenda.
Running from 2022 to 2025, the £2.6 billion fund is designed to boost local economies and improve communities.
The aim is to create pride in place and expand opportunities by investing in businesses, people, and local areas.
More information is available on the UK Government website.
