Through the Crown Estate Scotland’s Coastal Communities Fund 2026, the successful projects have been awarded funding. 

The Crown Estate Scotland’s Coastal Communities Fund 2026 supports initiatives that help strengthen, safeguard and enhance Moray’s coastal communities. 

After votes closed on 9 May, all votes were carefully verified. 

Duplicate votes, votes where fewer than five projects were selected, and votes submitted after the deadline were removed ahead of final results being confirmed. 

Five projects have been awarded funding administered by Moray Council, with one project getting a partial award to enable a scaled-down version of its proposal to go ahead.  

The five projects are: 

• Water Safety Project – Outfit Moray: £19,800 (full grant)
• Hopeman East Beach Dune Protection Project – Hopeman Community Association: £13,754 (full grant)
• Moray Shore & Sea Clean Collective – Burghead Sub Aqua Club: £12,690 (full grant)
• Lossie West Beach Coastal Protection and Access Repair – Lossie Community Development Trust: £50,000 (full grant)
• Sea Sense Moray – Tide School – Tide School CIC: £3,756 (partial grant) 

The original application requested £15,000, but the funding awarded will enable the project to provide coastal learning courses in five coastal primary schools. 

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.”

Macrae added: “From coastal protection and environmental initiatives to water safety and education, these projects will deliver lasting benefits for local people and visitors alike.” 

Mike Spain, director of Aquaculture & Marine Ecosystem Services for Crown Estate Scotland, said: “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.” 

Revenue generated from Crown Estate Scotland’s marine assets supports the Coastal Communities Fund.

The fund helps projects with a clear connection to Moray’s coast or sea and within 12 nautical miles of Moray’s coastline to complete projects that support local priorities and introduce a positive difference to these communities. 

Both successful and unsuccessful applicants have been informed directly of the outcome of their applications.