Government Finance Secretary, John Swinney has announced £10 million investment in the Forres Enterprise Park, following its recent designation as an official Enterprise Zone.
Local SNP representative have welcomed the announcement.
The investment in and around Forres is aimed at attracting jobs as part of the ongoing response to the MoD’s decision to close Kinloss as an airbase, with the Army due to move in to the site later this month.
Moray’s MSP Richard Lochhead called the funding to be spent on enterprise and infrastructure "very good news indeed" for Moray.
"This further demonstrates the Scottish Government’s commitment to support Moray in filling the gap left by the closure of RAF Kinloss," he said. "We have already had success in attracting significant investment from companies like Capita and ATOS in the Forres area and there is significant scope for growth in key areas such as Lifesciences."
He added: "This investment will help to maximise that opportunity for Forres and for Moray as a whole."
Meanwhile local MP and SNP Defence Spokesperson Angus Robertson said: "There has been a concerted effort between the Scottish Government and local agencies to minimise the impact of the closure of RAF Kinloss and to drive forward diversification of the Moray economy."
He said "While the UK Government’s decision has damaged our prospects in Moray, the Scottish Government, in complete contrast, has invested heavily to mitigate that damage and while the UK Government’s failure to invest in infrastructure has resulted in a double-dip recession the Scottish Government has recognised the importance of targeted investment to support recovery and growth."
SNP Councillor for Forres Aaron McLean has also welcomed the announcement.
"Generating investment in Forres is critical to broadening the local economy and to provide vital job opportunities that will strengthen our communities," he said.
Full updated story in next week's Gazette.
