Trust aims to boost area south of Forres

A TRUST is drawing up a plan to improve the rural area to the south of Forres.

Finderne Development Trust (FDT) is looking to boost the fortunes of Rafford, Logie, Relugas, Edinkillie and Dunphail.

The organisation formally opened its offices at Logie Steading at a ceremony on Friday, with Moray's MP Douglas Ross cutting the ribbon.

The opening also marked the launch of the trust’s first strategic plan which sets out its vision for the future of the area.

Chris Piper, the chairman of FDT said: “We see our role as bringing together active members of the community to help identify opportunities to address local issues in creative ways that will bring about long-lasting social, rural economic and environmental benefits not just for our own generation but for generations to come."

FDT was incorporated in May 2018 and granted £138,000 per annum community benefit funding from Hill of Glaschyle Renewables LLP - developer of the Logie Wind Farm.

It became a charity in April.

Pery Zakeri became the trust first full-time employee in April when she took on the role of development manager.

She said: "Over the coming months I will work to engage with the people who live and work in the area.

"The goal is to develop projects together, ranging from community broadband, housing and energy schemes to increasing opportunities for eco-tourism and business as well as projects that demonstrate our commitment to environmental sustainability.”