MRO Timeline
Moray Reach Out is Born
1st December 1996
The organisation originated through a group of parents and carers who wanted to increase opportunities for adults with learning disabilities. Buckie Yarns a haberdashery and wool shop opened in Buckie, Moray.
Read moreNew Wool Shop in Elgin opened
14th December 1999
Building on the success of Buckie Yarns, MRO expanded its operations to Elgin by opening a second wool and haberdashery shop at 6 Commerce Street. Named Start II and then Start to Knit, this shop provided further retail training opportunities. Under the coordination of Shirley Nicoll, the Elgin shop became a community hub for creativity and skill-building, offering trainees hands-on experience in a supportive setting.
Read moreBuckie Waste Watchers welcomed on board
14th December 2000
In partnership with Moray Council, Moray Reach Out developed a steel and used beverage cans (UBC) aluminium-recycling operation in Buckie called Waste Watchers.
Read moreWaste Watchers expands
23rd January 2002
Waste Watchers expands to plastic, providing a van collection service to over 140 business customers across Moray.
Read moreWaste Watchers Lossiemouth
4th April 2013
Due to popular demand, Waste Watchers opens a recycling centre in Lossiemouth in collaboration with the Moray Council.
Read moreA New Chapter Begins: Shona Radojkovic Joins MRO
1st March 2014
In March 2014, we welcomed Shona Radojkovic as our General and Business Development Manager. Shona’s leadership and vision have played a crucial role in the continued growth of MRO, driving new initiatives and helping us expand our reach within the community.
Read moreMRO Embroidery
1st November 2014
In November 2014, MRO took a significant leap forward when Start to Knit was rebranded as In Stitches. Thanks to funding from Highlands and Islands Enterprise and other supporters, we were able to purchase an embroidery machine, expanding our services to offer personalised embroidery for gifts, workwear, and corporate wear. This marked a new chapter for MRO, as we ventured into new areas of creativity and business, helping our trainees gain diverse skills.
Read moreIn Stitches Becomes MRO Embroidery and Fine Gifts
3rd April 2017
Continuing our tradition of innovation and growth, In Stitches was rebranded once again, becoming MRO Embroidery and Fine Gifts in 2016. This shift not only reflected our expanding offerings but also reinforced our commitment to quality and professionalism in the services we provide
Read moreMRO Art Yarn
3rd June 2019
In June 2019, Moray Reach Out introduced the Art Yarn Project, a unique social enterprise designed to provide our trainees with hands-on, creative experience in yarn. Through this project, trainees learn the art of spinning, dyeing, and crafting with yarn, creating beautiful, high-quality products that showcase their skills. The Art Yarn Project…
Read moreArt Yarn Project Launch
3rd June 2019
In June 2019, Moray Reach Out welcomed Jon Reeves, whose vision helped bring the Art Yarn Project to life. With a passion for sustainable materials and inclusive opportunities, Jon proposed using fleece from his own flock of Shetland sheep to create high-quality, locally-sourced yarns. Thanks to funding secured for a three-year term, Jon’s role has been instrumental in developing this unique social enterprise. The Art Yarn Project not only provides our trainees with creative skills in spinning, dyeing, and crafting but also offers them the pride of working with materials that reflect the local landscape. This project has empowered our trainees and enriched our community, bringing a hands-on approach to sustainable art.
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