Community Priorities Survey — Results 2026
What works well
What works well in Findochty right now?
Respondents could choose up to three options. n = 65.
Satisfaction
How satisfied are you with Findochty?
Who respondents expect to deal with local issues
Community priorities
Priority ratings — weighted score (out of 195)
High priority = 3 pts, Important = 2 pts, Low priority = 1 pt, Not needed = 0 pts. All 65 respondents rated all nine areas.
Single top priority — how many chose each area as number one
Issues raised by residents
The following themes came up most often across all open-text questions. Where issues fall to Moray Council or other bodies rather than FCC, we have noted this — and we are actively raising them on your behalf.
🐾 Dog waste and litter
The most frequently raised issue. Calls for more bins, better signage and enforcement. We are formally requesting additional bins from Moray Council and referring enforcement to the dog warden service.
🛣️ Roads, paths and pavements
Road surfaces, eroded paths, weeding and gritting raised by many residents. Specific locations noted. These are primarily Moray Council responsibilities — we are submitting a formal representations package using your survey evidence.
🚗 Speeding and traffic safety
A 20mph limit was called for by several respondents, particularly on the school crossing route. This is Scottish Government policy and Moray Council is already rolling it out across the region — it is a matter of when, not if, for Findochty. We are monitoring progress and will keep residents informed.
👦 Children and young people
A strong theme from families. Requests included a youth club (ages 8–18), a play area near the harbour or Sannie Craig, a pump track, and better under-3 childcare provision. Play facilities are primarily a Moray Council responsibility — we will formally raise the need with them, backed by this survey evidence, and explore what the community can support and coordinate directly.
⚓ Harbour facilities
Outdated toilets, no showers for visiting boats, dredging needs and parking raised by respondents with local knowledge. Harbour and coastal improvements are the single most-voted top priority. Projects at this scale are beyond what a community council can deliver directly — but FCC can help make the case and explore whether a community development trust is the right vehicle to take this forward.
🎉 Community events and a summer gala
The loss of Gala Week was specifically mourned. Several volunteers with events experience came forward through this survey. We are working towards a community event for summer 2026.
🏚️ Derelict properties
Unsafe buildings and abandoned vehicles raised by several respondents. These are Moray Council enforcement matters — we will formally raise them, particularly where public safety is a concern.
🚌 Bus services
A reliable bus service was called for, particularly for medical appointments. We have written to Moray Council’s transport team about bus shelter repairs and Route 35 reliability separately.
Getting involved
Would you be interested in helping with community projects?
Respondents could select multiple options. 35 of 65 respondents indicated some willingness to get involved.
Skills and interests offered included project management, events organisation, building and labouring, horticulture and gardening, marketing and PR, admin support, and community development experience. We will be in touch with those who gave consent to be contacted. If you would like to get involved and did not fill in the survey, please contact us.
- Submit a formal representations package to Moray Council on roads, paths, dog waste and gritting — backed by this survey evidence
- Formally raise the need for children and young people’s facilities with Moray Council, including play areas and youth provision
- Explore harbour and coastal improvements — making the case to Moray Council and relevant bodies, and considering whether a community development trust is the right vehicle for larger projects
- Request additional dog waste bins from Moray Council and refer enforcement to the dog warden service
- Work towards a community event for summer 2026
- Contact residents who offered to volunteer with a specific first opportunity
- Publish a further update on progress later in 2026