A series of consultation meetings in Moray, designed to promote the development of a more diverse and sustainable economy in the area, has begun by gathering the views of public sector agencies, the private sector and the general public.

The first of these meetings was held last week (13th May), when 40 representatives from a wide range of agencies, including Moray Badenoch and Strathspey Enterprise (MBSE), Moray Council, NHS Grampian, and the emergency services met to discuss the challenges and opportunities that exist for the local economy over the next 15 years.

The next meeting, to be held today (Friday) in Elgin, will see Moray Council members, and directors from many of these agencies get together to develop their ideas and build on some of the issues that emerged from last week's meeting.

In March this year, the First Minister announced that a Moray Task Force project team would be created to help reduce the negative impact of the RAF job reductions on the local economy. Recruitment of a Task Force project team is expected to commence in June with the appointment of a team leader and three others who will be employed by the HIE network under three year contracts.

Douglas Yule, chief executive of MBSE, said: "This is just the beginning of a process, which will lead to the production of a diversification strategy that will identify what actions need to be taken and the costs of helping to establish a more diverse and sustainable economy for the long-term future for all parts of the Moray area, many of which have suffered setbacks following recent announcements."

The next meeting is to be held in June when members of the private sector will be invited to meet with MBSE and others to discuss their views. In July and August, a roadshow will take place throughout Moray with a series of public meetings to ensure that as many views as possible are given and taken on board. 

Douglas Yule added: "We want people to speak out and give us their positive thoughts on the future of the area, so we can ensure everyone has the chance to input. This diversification strategy will help shape the future of Moray to 2020 and beyond and will be completed and sent to the Scottish Executive by September."