Two organisations in the town will be working together to bring a package of heritage projects to Forres after securing £20K in funding.
Between April and September, Forres Area Community Trust (FACT) and the Forres Heritage Trust (FHT) will collaborate to bring a programme of activities which will include guided walks and tours, talks, traditional entertainment events, and tailor-made activities packages for day and longer stay visitors to name but a few of the plans.
The project has received £20K from the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and will also allow for a part-time administrator and a heritage consultant to be employed.
Michelle Gillibrand, development manager for FACT said: “We are absolutely thrilled to have been successful in our funding application which was spurred on with the concept muted some time ago to explore setting up a ‘Heritage Quarter’ in the local area. This is gathering some interest now with the recent consultations which have been organised as part of the Forres Conservation & Heritage Scheme.
“The Forres area is rich in history including many iconic, historic buildings, landmarks and assets. FACT and the Forres Heritage Trust would like to explore how these assets and the local history could be better promoted for the local community and visitors to the area. And with local people, especially young people being central to the plans it is a very exciting time to show how community-led initiatives can be embedded and sustained for the future.”
In addition to the events, talks and guided walks, the two organisations also hope to provide a digital based resource for history and cultural projects including ancestry, create a Heritage Information Hub at Forres Town Hall which would see a part-time job being created and putting in place a support and training package for current and new volunteers to undertake some of the activities and programmes.
Michelle added: “The Town Hall Tales project and the other activities organised to date has shown that local people enjoy sharing their knowledge and stories of the Forres Area and we would therefore like to build on and support this enthusiasm to help us deliver some of the programmes and activities. This will also involve initially employing a Heritage Consultant to help us develop the programmes with the volunteers and provide the appropriate training.”
George Alexander, chairman of the FHT said: “We are delighted to be working with FACT on this joint project. There is a thirst both locally and from visitors for events, talks and experiences which deliver information on the town’s history and heritage, so we are looking forward to enhancing what we already offer and adding to it.
“Visitor numbers to Nelson’s Tower are always healthy and our Tolbooth tours have really started to take off. Working in collaboration with FACT and the employment of a consultant to help guide us on our ideas and an administrator to support the events once they are launched can only help us thrive.”
The project is already well into the planning with a meeting taking place last month with local groups keen to support and get involved. This included representation from the Highland Youth Theatre, Leanchoil Trust, Findhorn Bay Arts, St John’s Church, Film Forres, Forres Area Business Association, Forres Area Tourism Network, HA HA (Helen Avenell Heritage Associates) and individuals who are involved in local events such as the Forres Highland Games and Grant Park 100. There were also many that couldn’t make the meeting but have confirmed they want to be part of this exciting initiative for the town.
Helen Avenell, from Helen Avenell Heritage Associates, who is supporting the project said: “‘I’m delighted that this project will bring together such a diverse range of the amazing heritage and cultural activity that happens across Forres. Working with our community means that we can give space to young people to get involved and shape the project to ensure they feel part of our very special local heritage.”