A trail which takes users on a mystery history tour has been launched for an area of Forres.
The Forres Heritage Trust, working in association with Moray Treasure Trails has created the walk which incorporates key local sites and sees participants scanning QR codes which provide them with information about some of the stops.
The trail starts and ends in the same location and generally focusses on Grant Park and Cluny Hill.
The Trust began doing trails last Autumn when it launched a Halloween walk. This was followed by a Christmas themed trail and one for Spring
The new Mystery History Walk focusses on some key locations which have historical significance and participants can get more information at some of the points by scanning the QR codes.
Julie Millar who operates Moray Treasure Trails has volunteered her time to create the trail, whilst Claire Doughty who supports the Trust with publicity has pulled together the information for the QR codes.
Julie said: “I was delighted when Claire got in contact to ask for help in creating the trail. She had all the information and knew some keys sites that she thought would be of interest. I was able to bring it altogether in a user-friendly treasure trail which we hope will appeal to people of all ages.”
Claire who started planning the walk with her son Adam said she was delighted the trail was now ready to be used: “We are so delighted the trail is finally finished but it would not have been possible without the support of Julie. Originally, we had planned a bigger route using QR codes and a locations app, but despite trialling the route dozens of times, it just didn’t work how we wanted it to.
“However, I was put in touch with Julie who creates these walks all over Moray and hosts them for birthdays parties and other events and she stepped in to help. She helped us simplify it and I think we have a quirky wee route which shows off the best of Grant Park, Cluny Hill and Nelson’s Tower, will get people out and about and if they choose to scan the QR codes, will get them learning a wee bit of local history too.”
She added: “Now that we have one route sorted, we may branch out and do some at different locations throughout the town.”
George Alexander, chairman of the Trust said: “We are very grateful to both Julie and Claire and not forgetting Claire’s son Adam who all worked on this walk in their own time. Cluny Hill holds many mysteries, some now known and others yet to be discovered, this mystery walk will surely enlighten you as well as benefit your fitness and wellbeing. It’s another small addition to the great offering that we have at the Forres Heritage Trust and it may even inspire you to join as a member or maybe even get involved as a volunteer.”
To have a go at the Mystery History Walk you can download the trail here.