Moray MP Douglas Ross says he had a “constructive and positive” meeting with UK Government Levelling Up Secretary Michael Gove, alongside Moray Conservative councillors and officials from the local authority.
Douglas secured the meeting with Michael Gove after he had expressed his “major disappointment” at Moray Council missing out in a funding award from the UK Government's second round of Levelling Up funding earlier this year.
He was keen for Michael Gove to give some feedback to councillors and officials in Moray over their previous bids and what measures they could take to improve their chances, ahead of round three opening up.
Douglas thanked Michael for taking the time to meet with him and key decision makers in Moray Council, including leader Kathleen Robertson and chair of the Economic Development and Infrastructure committee Marc Macrae.
He says that he is “more determined than ever” to ensure that “bold and ambitious” projects in Moray can be successful this time around, and deliver “significant benefits” to local communities.
Councillor Marc Macrae says it was “great” to hear first-hand from Michael Gove and that he will continue to work closely with Douglas and other officials to bring new opportunities to Moray.
Moray MP Douglas Ross said: “It was of course disappointing that Moray missed out earlier this year on Levelling Up Funding.
“But I was determined to ensure that councillors and officials got direct feedback from Michael Gove as Levelling Up Secretary on what can be done to ensure we are successful this time.
“This was a positive and constructive meeting with the minister and I’m grateful to him for taking the time to meet with me and representatives from the council.
“I'm more determined than ever to ensure bold and ambitious projects in Moray come to fruition which will bring significant benefits to our communities."
Councillor Marc Macrae said: “It was great to hear directly from Michael Gove.
“I know how hard Council officials worked on previous bids, so naturally it was disappointing when we didn't get the green light on our plans.
“This was a really useful meeting for us to have ahead of a third round of funding opening up.
“I will continue to work closely with Douglas and others to bring positive new opportunities to Moray."
