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The announcement of equal funding was made by The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, David Lidington, alongside the Scottish Government Minister Richard Lochhead on a joint visit to Moray College UHI.

This funding will support projects that focus on employability and skills programmes, manufacturing innovation, tourism as well as vital improvements to digital connectivity and regeneration. The funding levels for specific projects will be confirmed at a future date.

Mr Lidington said:

鈥淭he UK Government is committed to supporting economic growth in Moray and I am delighted to announce 拢32.5 million in funding. This transformative package of support will boost the region鈥檚 economy by helping to attract and retain people to live and work in the area.

鈥淭hese deals are a key part of the UK Government鈥檚 long-standing commitment to invest directly in Scotland鈥檚 future. They give communities the financial backing to develop projects that place Scotland at the forefront of innovation, technology and connectivity.

鈥淎s we work alongside the Scottish Government and local partners, this deal will help unlock the region鈥檚 economic potential for inclusive growth including supporting local services and attracting businesses.鈥�

Scottish Secretary David Mundell said:

鈥淭his Moray Growth Deal is a wonderful opportunity for the UK Government and partners to boost the economy of the region with a range of transformational projects.

鈥淭he UK Government is working to create opportunities, jobs and long-term growth right across Scotland, and so far have committed 拢1.39 billion in city and growth deals to achieve this.鈥�

Scottish Government Minister Richard Lochhead said:

鈥淭he Moray Growth Deal will make a real lasting difference to the future of the region and inject confidence into the economy, improving the quality of life for local people.

鈥淪uccessful delivery of this deal will create new high-value jobs, help safeguard the local economy and strengthen Moray鈥檚 communities. I am grateful to Moray Council and all their partners for their hard work in getting to this stage, and I recognise the important involvement of the community in developing the deal proposals.

鈥淲e will continue our dialogue with our Moray partners on projects that will have a transformative effect on the Moray economy. We will announce a Heads of Terms agreement as soon as possible, which will specify which projects will be supported by this significant joint investment.

鈥淭he Scottish Government has so far committed more than 拢1.7 billion over the next 10 to 20 years to City Region and Growth Deals and related investments across Scotland.鈥�

ENDS

Notes to editors:

For further information contact the press office of the Office of the Secretary of State for Scotland on 0131 244 9028.