(Image: Supplied)
Five community-led projects across Moray will share £100,000 in funding to support coastal protection, environmental initiatives, water safety and education.
The successful projects were selected by residents through a public vote on the Moray Engage platform as part of the Moray Coastal Communities Fund 2026.
Supported by Crown Estate Scotland and administered by Moray Council, the fund backs projects that enhance, protect or strengthen coastal communities across the region.
The largest award of £50,000 will go to the Lossiemouth West Beach Coastal Protection and Access Repair project, led by Lossiemouth Community Development Trust.
Outfit Moray’s Water Safety Project will receive £19,800, while Hopeman Community Association has been awarded £13,754 for its East Beach Dune Protection Project.
Burghead Sub Aqua Club’s Moray Shore & Sea Clean Collective will receive £12,690.
The fifth successful project, Tide School CIC’s Sea Sense Moray – Tide School initiative, has received a partial award of £3,756. The funding will allow the organisation to deliver coastal learning courses in five coastal primary schools, although its original application was for £15,000.
Votes submitted by residents were verified before the results were confirmed, with duplicate, incomplete and late submissions removed.
The fund is supported by revenue from Crown Estate Scotland’s marine assets and is available for projects within 12 nautical miles of Moray’s coastline that have a direct connection to the coast or sea and address local priorities.
Since 2017, more than £900,000 has been provided to Moray Council through marine activities overseen by Crown Estate Scotland.
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Councillor Marc Macrae, chair of Moray Council’s Economic Development and Infrastructure Committee, said: "The Coastal Communities Fund gives local people a direct say in how funding is invested in projects that matter to them and their communities.
"The range of successful projects this year demonstrates the passion and commitment of organisations working to improve and protect Moray's coastline.
"From coastal protection and environmental initiatives to water safety and education, these projects will deliver lasting benefits for local people and visitors alike.
"I'd like to thank everyone who took part in the Moray Engage vote and congratulate all of this year's successful applicants."
Mike Spain, director of aquaculture and marine ecosystem services at Crown Estate Scotland, said: "We are delighted that the community projects valued most by people in Moray are sharing in this latest round of funding, ensuring that local priorities are addressed.
"Since 2017, more than £900,000 has been provided to Moray Council as a result of marine activities overseen by Crown Estate Scotland.
"As we continue to provide support for coastal communities around Scotland, we are determined to ensure such revenue will continue to benefit the people of Moray and elsewhere."