During a visit on 26 and 27 October, HIE board members explored various businesses and initiatives across Moray. The tour began at the new Manufacturing Innovation Centre Moray (MICM) in Enterprise Park Forres, which officially opened in September. Funded by HIE and government bodies through the Moray Growth Deal, MICM offers diagnostics, advice, and equipment for businesses to test new products and processes, attracting significant interest in areas like automation and artificial intelligence.
The visit also highlighted the work of Moray Waste Busters, a social enterprise in Forres that diverts reusable goods from landfill. Their redevelopment of Strathcona House at Enterprise Park Forres has created a larger community reuse hub, creating jobs and emphasising the people-centric aspect of the circular economy.
At Logie Timber near Dunphail, the board saw a rapidly growing business specialising in locally-sourced timber. Since 2019, the company has expanded from four employees to 17, investing in modern equipment and solar power to pursue net zero goals by 2035.
In the Cabrach, the Cabrach Trust is revitalising the area with initiatives like the Acorn Centre for rural skills and wellbeing, and the Discovery Trail. The Cabrach Distillery project, which began in 2021, is now producing whisky and developing an economic asset rooted in local heritage, with plans for a heritage and visitor centre.
An engagement event in Elgin allowed HIE board members to hear directly from around 25 local organisations about their ambitions and challenges. Discussions continued with representatives from Moray Council and Moray Chamber of Commerce.
The following day in Buckie, the board toured Macduff Shipyards, which employs around 230 people and has seen increased vessel-repair capacity and job creation thanks to HIE's support for a new slipping cradle. The visit also included an outline of Moray Council's emerging masterplan for Buckie Harbour, which aims to strengthen existing sectors and support offshore wind operations.
The visit underscored Moray's diverse strengths, encompassing advanced manufacturing, community enterprise, sustainable timber, whisky, shipbuilding, and renewable energy, all driven by a population embodying ambition, resilience, and a strong sense of place.
