Place-making and tourism are a key part of what makes Moray an attractive destination, with Lossiemouth Community Development Trust formed to support this by adopting a joint community approach towards improving facilities and developing a stronger sense of place.
Some of the key projects the Trust has developed thus far include a new bridge to the beach, an active travel route and an innovative skatepark to create more recreational activities for residents and tourists alike, alongside the Seafest Festival, which has helped attract tourists from far and wide.
Following a two-and-a-half-year project, where the Lossiemouth Development Trust successfully campaigned to secure funding for the bridge, construction is nearly complete, with an opening ceremony in May 2022.
The Trust is also in the process of setting up an active travel route from Lossiemouth to Hopeman, to enable more people to walk and cycle the route. This is led by a sub-group comprised of representatives from the Trust, Lossiemouth Community Council, Moray Council, Hopeman Community Association, and landowners and residents of the local area.
The group has mapped the landownership between Hopeman/Duffus and Lossiemouth; opened discussion with landowners; gained funding for and completed a modern feasibility study of the Hopeman to Lossiemouth section of the route; and started developing a design study. You can find out more by visiting the website.
The Trust has also been working with the Lossiemouth Skatepark Initiative, Moray Council, local residents and organisations to secure the necessary funds and permissions that will allow construction to begin at Coulardbank Playing Fields. The proposed surf-style skatepark will be a high quality, free-to-use sports facility for the people of Lossiemouth and the surrounding area. You can find out more by visiting their website.
Seafest is held every year in Lossiemouth and supported by the Trust, the week-long event in the summer attracts tourists and the local community and celebrates the area’s connection to the sea through a mixture of sports, crafts, arts and social events. Organised and run by volunteers, Seafest Lossiemouth is one of Moray’s summer highlights.
Alongside these key projects the Trust works closely with the Business Association, Tourism Group and local community to deliver campaigns and events such as the Christmas Light switch on, out of season tourism marketing and the running of a local sports hub.
Now in the conclusion of their last five-year plan the Trust is discussing its next steps for another five-year term, which will focus on Station Park, creating a community space, and looking at developing a Men’s Shed for community activities, in the first instance.
To find out more about the Lossiemouth Community Development Trust please visit the website: https://lossietrust.org/
