FOREWORD
Councillor Peter Bloomfield, Armed Forces Champion
As a former member of the Royal Air Force and now a proud advocate for our Armed Forces community, it is my distinct pleasure to write this Foreword. Recently, as we marked the 80th anniversary of VE Day, we were all given a profound reminder of the bravery and sacrifice that shaped the world we know today.
That hasn’t changed, and it’s important that we recognise the role the Armed Forces continue to play in safeguarding peace and freedom. As I welcome you to Moray, please know that this is a community that recognises this, deeply valuing the contributions of those who serve our nation.
Moray is steeped in a rich tapestry of military history, and the presence of the Armed Forces is woven into the very fabric of our society. From the beauty of the nearby Cairngorms to our tranquil coastal shores, Moray offers not only stunning landscapes but also a welcoming and supportive environment for those in uniform and their families.
If you are reading this having just moved here, unsure of what comes next; I want you to know that you are joining a community that respects your commitment and honours your service.
The friendships you will forge, the local groups and activities you will discover, and the myriad of services available will all help you settle and thrive. The camaraderie and resilience that are hallmarks of life in the Armed Forces are mirrored in the spirit of Moray.
This booklet is crafted with care to provide essential information about local amenities, healthcare, and recreational activities. It aims to ease your transition and ensure that you feel at home as quickly as possible. Our commitment to you goes beyond just words; it is reflected in the ongoing efforts of Moray Council and our community partners to create a supportive environment for Armed Forces families.
We are honoured to have you in our midst, and I encourage you to reach out, engage, and become an integral part of our vibrant communities.
Welcome to Moray—where your service is not only recognised but celebrated.
WHAT IS THE ARMED FORCES COVENANT?
In Moray, the Armed Forces Covenant is a commitment to support members of the Armed Forces community and to promote understanding and awareness among the public of issues affecting this community.
The Armed Forces Covenant in Moray was re-signed in October 2016. It is founded on the obligations and sacrifices of those who serve, or have served, in the Armed Forces, that they and their families should be treated fairly.
Moray Council first signed the Covenant in 2012 to signal official support for the Armed Forces communities that have had a strong and valued relationship with Moray for many decades. The updated Covenant particularly strengthens the Council’s commitment to employment support for spouses, families and veterans.
Around 9% of Moray’s population are members of the Armed Forces community, and eligible to be supported by the Covenant. This is why it is our mission to raise awareness and develop meaningful and enduring partnerships to better support this hugely important community.
Having been awarded the MOD Gold Award under the Employer Recognition Scheme in 2023, Moray Council is determined to do its utmost to fulfil and surpass its duty to those who have served, via the Armed Forces Covenant.
For more information about the Armed Forces Covenant please visit https://www.armedforcescovenant.gov.uk/
Typhoon Reheat take off, RAF Lossiemouth © Peter Bloomfield
WELCOME TO MORAY
Moray life
Rich lowland farming, fishing villages, mountains, moors and lochs are the essence of Moray. Stretching from Brodie in the West to Cullen in the East and South to the Cabrach and the Lecht, the area encompasses some of Britain’s most remote and magnificent countryside with an abundance of rich natural beauty and many isolated villages and hamlets. The Rivers Spey, Avon, Deveron and Isla start their journeys high up in the Grampian Mountains and wind their way down to the sea lining our coast.
The majority of Moray’s 96,000 population live in and around the towns of Elgin, Forres, Keith, Buckie, Dufftown and Lossiemouth, each with its own strong local identity. The large presence of RAF and Army personnel spread over the RAF base at Lossiemouth and the army at Kinloss contribute significantly to our local economy and culture. The Moray Branch of The Royal Air Force Association meet on the first Tuesday of each month in the ex-servicemen club opposite the Council Annex at 7pm.
Known as Scotland’s Sunshine Coast, Moray is popular with visitors and businesses partly due to its geography and climate. With almost 60% less rain than Scotland as a whole averages a year, Moray takes shelter from the Grampian Mountains to maintain our micro-climate. A popular holiday destination in the Victorian era, Moray is still famed for its drier and sunnier climate than most of Scotland. With near continuous daylight in mid-summer, Moray is a great choice for year-round adventure and living renowned for the friendliness and welcoming attitude of Moravians.
Lossie East Beach
Cullen Seatown and Viaduct
Elgin High Street
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Elgin – 82 High Street, Elgin IV30 1BL 01343 542684 Forres – 100c High Street, Forres IV36 1NX 01309 673373
Grantown on Spey – 21 High Street, Grantown-on-Spey PH26 3EG 01479 872025
Property Department 01343 549555 www.cockburns-solicitors.com elgin@cockburns-solicitors.com
LADYHILL: HISTORIC ELGIN COTTAGES
GIFTED BY FORMER MP, WELCOME NEW RESIDENTS
A significant chapter in Elgin’s history was reopened after the first resident of the 21st century moved into one of a pair of historic cottages at Ladyhill, properties originally gifted to the area in the aftermath of the First World War.
The two Category C-listed cottages were donated to the former City and Royal Burgh of Elgin in 1919 by the Right Honourable Sir Archibald Williamson. Known as Suvla and Messines, they are named after battles of the Great War and are located at the foot of Ladyhill, in the centre of Elgin.
A former MP for Moray and Nairn, Sir Archibald’s bequest stipulated that the properties be held in trust for the benefit of “suitable persons,” with a preference for “exsailors, ex-soldiers, or ex-airmen of the national forces” –particularly those with ties to Morayshire or Nairnshire. After nearly 100 years, the cottages were renovated by Moray Council, bringing them up to modern standards, whilst preserving their historic charm.
The first tenant to benefit from this renovation was Shaun Moat, a former RAF serviceman who served at RAF Kinloss. Shaun was delighted to get the opportunity, saying, “I’m so grateful to be allocated this property, it’s such an iconic address within Elgin, and the garden –which is maintained by volunteers – is beautiful!
“My friends joke that I’m the ‘gatekeeper’ to Elgin Castle, which is just behind the cottage! I feel very fortunate to live here.”
Moray Council’s Armed Forces and Veterans’ Champion, Cllr Peter Bloomfield added, “I’m delighted to see a former serviceman take residence in this historic property. It’s wonderful to see how Shaun has embraced the heritage of this cottage and made it his home.”
The properties, along with two additional homes on Victoria Road, had lain vacant for many years and were leased by their respective trusts to Moray Council for a minimum of 20 years as part of an agreement to fund their refurbishment from rental charges.
Vice-Chair of Moray Council’s Housing and Community Safety Committee, Donald Gatt - who served in the RAF for 23-years – said, “These properties represent a legacy of service and sacrifice, and I am incredibly pleased to see them provide homes for those who have served our country.”
The second property is currently undergoing renovation work, on view to housing a tenant in Spring 2025.
Cllr John Divers, Cllr Peter Bloomfield and Cllr Donald Gatt presenting Shaun Moat with a gift box as he moved in to the cottage.
MORAY’S DANDELION PROJECT
Across Moray, schools are committed to supporting all learners through the Getting It Right for Every Child (GIRFEC) framework. For children and young people from Armed Forces families, this offers the right support at the right time, whether settling into a new school, navigating a deployment or preparing for their next transition.
Growing Connections to Support
Armed Forces Families in Education
Moray’s Dandelion Project, launched in February 2024, is led by Moray Council in partnership with RAF Lossiemouth and 39 Engineer Regiment, with support from the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust. The project strengthens this support by bringing together educators, Armed Forces families and key partners to share knowledge, build connections and embed sustainable approaches that ensure every child and young person thrives in education.
“Moray’s schools already do fantastic work,” says Priyanka Chard, Education Support Officer and project lead. “The Dandelion Project builds on this by ensuring educators have the knowledge, tools and networks to understand the unique nuances of Armed Forces life and provide meaningful support as children and young people move through their education journeys.”
A Strong Network for Schools
At the heart of the project is the Armed Forces Advocate network, a group of dedicated educators who work together to share best practices and ensure that every school, no matter its size or location, feels connected and supported.
This network ensures that:
• Schools with small numbers of Armed Forces children can connect with others for ideas and advice
• Schools without military families know where to find support if they need it in the future
• Educators have access to relevant training, strategies, and external support to ensure every child feels included and understood
Building Stronger Connections
The Dandelion Project strengthens links between schools, military bases, and wider support networks, by working closely with organisations across Scotland and beyond. This ensures that education professionals are benefiting from shared expertise and resources.
“The connection between Moray Council and the Armed Forces has never been stronger,” says Sarah Riley-Evans, Community Development Officer at RAF Lossiemouth.
“The Dandelion Project ensures that schools, families, and military support teams are working together to create the best possible environment for our children.
MORAY TRUSTED TRADER SCHEME
The Moray Trusted Trader scheme is a local business partnership scheme aimed at increasing consumer confidence, promoting good practice within local business, and helping protect citizens from doorstep crime.
Trading Standards Trusted Traders have been vetted by Moray Trading Standards, and the scheme is supported by both Police Scotland and consumeradvice.scot.
All Trusted Traders have agreed to trade fairly and sign up to a Code of Practice.
The Code covers:
• transparent procedures for quoting and carrying out work
• only charging a fair and reasonable price
• dealing with complaints promptly
You can search for trusted traders by visiting: https://www.trustedtrader.scot/Moray/
FREEDOM OF MORAY FOR THE ROYAL REGIMENT OF SCOTLAND
The work of the Armed Forces is valued across Moray, and in the summer of 2024, the Royal Regiment of Scotland was bestowed with the region’s highest honour.
In recognition of their service to Moray and the nation, the Regiment was presented with the Freedom of Moray – giving them the right to march with ‘bayonets fixed, flags flying and pipes playing’.
Forming up at the West end of Elgin High Street, a parade of 140 were led by the Regiment’s Pipers and Drums and mascot Corporal Cruachan IV. They marched to the Plainstones, where they were presented with the honour by Moray Council’s Civic Leader, Cllr John Cowe.
Cllr Cowe said: “It was a genuine honour to present the Freedom of Moray to The Royal Regiment of Scotland, and it was particularly heartening to see the large number of people who turned out to watch the ceremony on the day. This highlights the level of appreciation the people of Moray have for our Armed Forces, and the strong connection between the military and the wider community.”
Colonel of The Royal Regiment of Scotland, Major General Robin Lindsay, added: “It was a tremendous honour for our Regiment to receive the Freedom of Moray. Not only does it recognise our role in protecting our nation, but it also reinforces and maintains our strong links with the people of Moray who have supported us, and our antecedent regiments, so well throughout history. That support remains invaluable to our soldiers and their families, particularly when deployed overseas, and for which we will be forever grateful.”
The Regiment followed in the footsteps of The Queen’s Own Highlanders; The Gordon Highlanders; RAF at Lossiemouth and the former RAF Kinloss, who are all recipients of the rarely-awarded accolade. The Highlanders (Seaforth, Gordons and Camerons) had the right to exercise the Freedom of Moray.
Images © The Northern Scot
POLICE SCOTLAND WELCOMES ARMED FORCES PERSONNEL AND THEIR FAMILIES TO MORAY!
Police Scotland extends a warm welcome to Armed Forces personnel, veterans, and their families relocating to Moray.
As a Forces-friendly organisation, we are committed to upholding the commitments of our Armed Forces Covenant and working alongside partners to ensure a smooth transition for families as they settle into their new community.
Chief Inspector Michael McKenzie, Area Commander for Moray, said: “It is an absolute privilege to welcome Armed Forces personnel and their families to Moray. Our priority is to ensure we make them feel at home and have the support they need as they settle into this new chapter. Together with our partners, we’re here to help them build strong connections within the community and enjoy all the area has to offer. We recognise and value the unique skills and experiences that military service brings, not only to our communities but also to our organisation.
“Police Scotland actively supports the recruitment of veterans by engaging with service recruitment bodies such as the Career Transition Partnership and the Officers Association. Within our workforce, we provide additional support through a network of veterans champions and are proud to support officers and staff who are members of the reserve forces by offering paid leave for training and accommodating deployments wherever possible.”
Stef Grzybowski, Police Scotland’s Armed Forces & Reservists Champion, said: “Our Armed Forces Covenant is brought to life by the hard work and dedication of the police officers and staff who come into contact with our Armed Forces communities to ensure that additional support where required can be easily accessed— whether directly or through referral agencies such as Nova Scotland. Through shared training materials with emergency services and health service professionals,
“service personnel and their families requiring police support can expect a better understanding of their specific needs and issues which may affect them.
“We are proud of our Defence Relationship Management links and our association with our Armed Forces partners, which ensures our policies, procedures, and actions are effective at keeping people safe.”
Moray has a long history of welcoming and supporting military families, and we understand the unique challenges that often come with relocating.
By collaborating with military organisations, local authorities, and other key partner agencies, we aim to provide the necessary support to help families feel connected and at home in the local area.
Together, we strive to foster strong community ties and celebrate the vital contributions Armed Forces personnel and their families make to Moray.
X: @policescotland
Facebook: www.facebook.com/ policescotland
Website: www.scotland.police.uk
WE ARE PROUD OF OUR DEFENCE RELATIONSHIP MANAGEMENT LINKS AND OUR ASSOCIATION WITH OUR ARMED FORCES PARTNERS, WHICH ENSURES OUR POLICIES, PROCEDURES, AND ACTIONS ARE EFFECTIVE AT KEEPING PEOPLE SAFE.
Ch Insp Mike McKenzie Stefan Grzybowski
Stef Grzybowski, Police Scotland’s Armed Forces & Reservists Champion
This is a contribution from
ERSKINE VETERANS CHARITY
Opened in December 2024, Erskine Veterans Activity Centre (EVAC) represents an new era for Veterans settling in and around Morayshire. EVAC North honours the region’s proud military heritage and is a lifeline for those who have served.
Housed in the former Victoria Hotel on Tytler Street in Forres, EVAC North is a hub for Veterans to reconnect with their community, learn new skills, and rediscover a sense of purpose.
Open Monday to Friday between 9.30am and 3.30pm, the centre caters to Veterans of all ages and service backgrounds.
The hub is part of Erskine Veterans Charity’s strategic vision to create a network of community-based support services across Scotland. These are central to the mission of ensuring Veterans thrive in their local communities.
Why Morayshire? Morayshire boasts the highest concentration of Veterans in Scotland, due to near-by military bases such as RAF Lossiemouth and Kinloss Barracks. Recognising the unique challenges facedranging from isolation to adapting to civilian life - EVAC North aims to bridge gaps in support and create a welcoming space for Veterans.
EVAC North provides meaningful opportunities for Veterans to connect, grow, and thrive by offering:
Activities and skill development: Veterans can participate in a wide range of activities, such as archery, woodwork, art, IT skills, and gym sessions. These programmes are designed to be both therapeutic and enriching, encouraging members to try something new.
Community and camaraderie: A space to share experiences, build friendships, and find solidarity among peers who understand the unique challenges of military life.
Support services: Connecting Veterans to tailored support services, including health workshops and collaborative initiatives with local organisations like SSAFA, Moray Council, and the RAF Benevolent Fund.
The centre is managed by Davie Grant, an Army Veteran and Buckie native with over a decade of experience in community care. Davie’s vision is to make the centre a cornerstone for Veterans, offering companionship, activities, and essential support. Davie is joined by Michael Parkes, Erskine’s Fundraising Development Manager for Northern Scotland, who has worked tirelessly to raise awareness and funds.
EVAC North is the product of extensive community engagement and support. Surveys conducted by the Forres Area Community Trust (FACT) revealed 94% of respondents welcoming its development. Local residents and organisations have contributed through fundraising events and partnerships.
Veterans such as John Baillie, an 82-year-old Army Veteran from Inverness, have worked tirelessly to support the project. John raised over £12,500 for the centre by rowing the equivalent of the distance from Land’s End to John O’ Groats. And the Forres Firewalk, which saw 23 participants walking barefoot over hot coals, raised more than £4,000.
EVAC North is just the beginning. Erskine aims to replicate this model across Scotland, with plans to establish a third EVAC by 2026. The charity is also piloting a Support at Home Service, which will allow Veterans to access personalised assistance in their own homes/communities.
Getting involved
There are many ways you can get involved. Please visit the centre, participate in activities, and explore the range of services we have on offer. We would love families and community members to contribute by volunteering or helping to support the centre’s operations.
Whether you’re a Veteran, a family member, or a community supporter, EVAC North offers a place to connect, grow, and thrive.
To learn more about us or to get involved, contact: Erskine Veterans Activity Centre North, Tytler Street, Forres Email: david.grant@erskine.org.uk Tel: 07788 243391
THE RAF BENEVOLENT FUND
The
RAF Benevolent Fund is the Royal Air Force’s leading welfare charity, with a rich history dating back to 1919 when it was established.
Since then, the Fund has been committed to providing financial, practical, and emotional support to RAF personnel, veterans and their families, recognising the unique challenges and sacrifices they have made to help keep our nation safe.
The Fund provides grants for essential living, benefits advice and help with unexpected expenses, in addition to practical assistance to address specific needs, such as mobility aids, home adaptations, or respite care. The Fund also offers services such as listening and counselling, mental health support, and assistance in coping with the emotional challenges that can arise from military life.
The past few years have presented us all with extraordinary challenges, and the RAF Benevolent Fund has witnessed an overwhelming surge in demand for the essential assistance it provides. In 2023 alone, the Fund was able to reach more than 42,000 members of the extended RAF Family, extending beyond the UK to offer help worldwide.
“The Fund lifted an unbelievable weight from my shoulders”
Former RAF dog handler Mick McConnell’s life changed in an instant when in 2011 he stepped on an IED his dog had failed to spot.
Mick, from Elgin, shattered his foot when he stepped on an IED, which eventually led to its amputation after two years of painful rehabilitation.
Since then, the RAF Benevolent Fund has been by his side, helping with a loan to buy a house. Relocating to Scotland from Lincoln enabled Mick and his wife Lorna to move closer to family who could be there to support Lorna during Mick’s hospital stays and ongoing rehabilitation and recovery. The Fund helped with the necessary adaptations to make their home more accessible, including installing a wet room.
Talking about the day of his accident, Mick said: “I was working in the most dangerous square mile of Afghanistan when I was blown up on just my second patrol following R&R (rest and recuperation). Seven guys had been lost to IEDs before me, which is why they brought the dog handlers in.”
He added: “I was the first person in my group to be injured. Three weeks later half of the platoon was injured in a grenade blast and the next day an IED blast took the rest of them. They all ended up in hospital next to me.”
Mick’s recovery was a challenging time but reaching out to the RAF Benevolent Fund helped to ease his mind. He said: “After we phoned the Fund, life just started getting better from then on. The RAF Benevolent Fund supported us through the process of purchasing a house, which was a great relief and allowed me to place my wife in a position where she was supported when I was having my rehab.”
“The fact that the RAF Benevolent Fund has helped us to move from a house where it took me ten minutes to get up and down the stairs, to a home that’s easily accessible and close to family where we can get support, has made a huge difference to our lives. They’ve lifted an unbelievable weight from my shoulders.”
The RAF Benevolent Fund provides financial, emotional, and practical assistance to serving and retired RAF personnel and their families. This includes grants to help with financial difficulty, mental health support, Airplay youth clubs, and more. For more information visit rafbf.org.uk
SSAFA: SUPPORTING SERVING PERSONNEL, VETERANS AND THEIR FAMILIES IN MORAY
SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity, provides tailored welfare and wellbeing assistance to the full Armed Forces family. Its purpose is simple: to reach and embrace the Armed Forces family so they never battle alone.
Whether in the middle of service, or when returning to civvy street, life can bring unexpected change to Armed Forces personnel, veterans and their families. Problems that may have once been shared as a team can become darker problems if battled alone.
For the past 140 years, SSAFA has helped members of the Armed Forces community with whatever problems they face. It is a trusted source of support for serving personnel, veterans and their families in their time of need.
At SSAFA, we understand that behind every uniform is a person. And we are here for that person and their family, any time they need us and in any way they need us. When you request back-up, we answer your call.
SSAFA Grampian Branch & Serving Community Team Moray
SSAFA’s Grampian Branch is a team of 25 committed and well-motivated volunteers, forming part of a network of 17 SSAFA volunteer-led branches across Scotland. The team is dedicated to supporting the Armed Forces community in Moray with experienced, non-judgmental and friendly advice.
The Branch works closely with veterans, providing a range of services from practical needs such as purchasing white goods, assisting a family with school
uniforms for their children or funding special equipment for someone with a disability – to emotional needs, like supporting mental wellbeing, or helping people cope with bereavement, injury and other forms of stress. We support and signpost people to access specialist services. Sometimes, people just need a non-judgmental confidante to listen to them and lift them out of their darkest moment.
The Serving Community Team (SCT) Moray helps those in uniform and their families access financial, practical and emotional support whenever they need it. Both the SCT and the Branch host events to help combat isolation and loneliness, as well as fundraisers, and are an integral part of the local military community.
Contact Us
SSAFA’s Grampian Branch is open Monday to Friday, 09:30-17:00. If you need help, or want to get involved with SSAFA in Moray, you can contact us via:
• Website: ssafa.org.uk/Grampian
• Telephone number: 07938 099547
• Email: Grampian.branch.ssafa.org.uk
To contact the Serving Community Team Moray, email moray.sct@ssafa.org.uk.
For URGENT ASSISTANCE, contact SSAFA’s Forcesline on 0800 260 6780
MORAY ARMED FORCES ONLINE DIRECTORY
The directory works on all devices with a browser including mobile, tablets, PC, Laptop, Smart TV, Xbox and PlayStation. Simply visit the website www.morayafdirectory.com on any device to view the businesses and organisations listed for support. This will be continuously updated and added to.
There is no download or app to install. Simply visit the website and save this to your home screen for future use. Or you can scan the QR code to link to the website.
If you’re a business selling products or services that will support veterans, a charitable organisation or health organisation in the Moray region, you can add your details directly, free of cost, by clicking on the add business/ organisation button in the top menu. It will take around 48 hours to go live.
Moray Council is proud to be supporting this directory of support organisations, charities and businesses. The aim is to have a central database to help forces veterans have easy access to key organisations across the Moray region. My Business Client Ltd is proud to be working with the Moray Council to help deliver the Forces Guide and Directory for Moray.
