Up to 40 jobs will be created with the opening of a drive-thru restaurant in Elgin, the company confirmed yesterday (Thursday).

KFC has a favoured location in mind, but has been looking at several sites in the Moray capital, a spokesperson said.

"We can confirm that we are hoping to open a drive thru restaurant in Elgin, and have looked at several sites in the area. One location looks particularly interesting, where a new restaurant would create 30-40 jobs in the local community. At this early stage, we are unable to comment further."

Elgin South councillor John Divers said KFC had been linked with a move into Elgin around three years ago. "One of the sites mentioned then was the land between B&Q and the roundabout (at New Elgin Road).

"I would always welcome the hope of new jobs, especially in the current economic climate, and I would hope that it comes forward as quickly as possible."

David Urquhart, chairman of Elgin Business Improvement District (Scotland), said it would be interesting to find out which location KFC plumps for. "It all depends where it is located but anything that helps to bring in more business to Elgin is good for the community," he added.

Speculation is mounting over the site international brand will settle on, but one Moray business insider expects the firm to chose a main road location or retail park over the town centre.

KFC is the latest in a long list of major names placing confidence in Elgin, despite the economic downturn. Fashion lines New Look, Next and Peacocks have all opened new stores at the Springfield Retail Park, with Boots set to join them on November 25.

Clothing and homeware firm Matalan will open next month at Robertsons' Elgin Retail Park. The park has been vacant since it was completed almost two years ago, but others major retailers are expected to take up tenancies at the 10-unit shopping centre now that an "anchor store" has finally been found.

Debenhams Desire, a smaller version of Britain's favourite department store, has been linked with a move into the proposed £20 million Springfield East Retail Park, where up to 250 new jobs have been promised. The derelict Morayshire Sawmills site on Linkwood Road is set to be transformed into a modern six-unit shopping complex after the Scottish Government over-ruled Moray councillors' blocks on the plans. There are still some outstanding issues to be resolved with the council before the development can commence.

Meanwhile, the town centre has also been given a boost with discount retailer Poundland opening in the former Woolworth premises. 'Coronation Street' actor Andy Whyment, who plays Kirk Sutherland, performed the official opening on Saturday. Orange has opened a new outlet in the St Giles' Centre.

There are two vacant restaurants within the town centre, the speculatively-built pub and restaurant at the rear of the former 'Northern Scot' premises and Failte on Batchen Street/South Street.

KFC's move into Moray is part of an expansion drive due to the strength of the brand. KFC (GB) Ltd trades from more than 725 locations from Inverness to Penzance, but believes there is scope to develop at a further 200 to 400 locations.

Based in Louisville, Kentucky, KFC is the world's most popular chicken chain and was founded by Colonel Harland Saunders in 1952.

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